Engineering Intern
Are you applying to the internship?
Job Description
About GaeaStar:
GaeaStar is a company focused on creating sustainable alternatives to single-use products. They combine traditional craftsmanship with additive manufacturing to produce thin clay vessels for to-go use, eliminating the environmental impact of billions of disposable cups annually. Their mission is to develop distributive manufacturing technology for these ceramics, using simple, abundant materials and zero plastics, at scale and close to the point of use. They are a small, in-person company located in San Francisco, emphasizing collaborative teamwork and rapid iteration. GaeaStar prioritizes diversity and equal opportunities.
Job Description: 3-6 Month Engineering Internship
This internship offers a chance to contribute directly to GaeaStar’s mission of creating sustainable alternatives to single-use products. Interns will work within the engineering team, focusing on scaling up their San Francisco production facility. The role is hands-on and involves:
• Process Optimization and Automation: Working directly with the principal engineer to improve production processes and automate steps to significantly increase production capacity while keeping unit costs low. This includes troubleshooting production issues and identifying bottlenecks.
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively with a small team of mechanical engineers and ceramicists, as well as stakeholders from operations, production, and product teams.
• Technical Support: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the production process and equipment. This involves helping to troubleshoot problems and improve efficiency.
• Impactful Projects: Contributing to specific projects such as revising the rim touch-up and glazing process, improving the robotic machine tending assembly, and optimizing the packaging solution.
• Rapid Prototyping and Iteration: Developing ideas, quickly prototyping solutions, and iterating based on results.
• Expanding Responsibilities: Taking on new responsibilities and rapidly learning and adapting within a fast-paced startup environment.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
• Education: Completion of at least two years of university-level coursework in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, with current enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
• Manufacturing Experience: Demonstrated interest and experience in high-volume manufacturing with short cycle times, focusing on increasing production capacity while controlling costs.
• Automation Passion: Experience with industrial automation, ideally including interfacing with vendors on automation challenges or working on automation in growing production environments.
• Maker Skills: A combination of strong craftsmanship and practical problem-solving abilities. The ideal candidate is pragmatic, enjoys fixing things, and is willing to get hands-on.
• CAD Skills: Proficiency in CAD software (OnShape preferred, but other software is acceptable).
• Location: Must be authorized to work in the US and live within commuting distance of San Francisco, or be willing to relocate.
