Hardware & Electronics Intern

Job Description

Hardware & Electronics Intern, Robotics | ndimensions labs

The Tone:
This is a full-time internship at Ndimensions Labs, located in Boston, MA. Ndimensions Labs is a group of technologists from MIT, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Washington, focused on building the infrastructure and learning systems behind next-generation robotics AI. This role is crucial for designing and building the physical platforms, electronics, and experimental hardware that power the company’s embodied AI research. It offers a practical, lab-based experience to build and validate real robotic hardware and electronics.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Boston, MA
• Team: Hardware team, working alongside engineers
• Mission: Design, assemble, and test robotics components and electronics boards that form the backbone of robotic systems.
• Tech Stack: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, KiCad, Altium, Arduino, STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, ROS, robotics middleware, 3D printing, laser cutting

What You’ll Actually Do
• Design: Assist with the design and prototyping of mechanical and electromechanical components essential for advanced robotic systems.
• Assembly & Testing: Assemble, solder, and test custom electronics boards, including PCBs, sensor arrays, motor drivers, and power systems.
• Integration: Integrate various components such as sensors, actuators, and compute modules into robotic platforms to build functional systems.
• Validation: Execute comprehensive hardware validation and testing procedures, meticulously documenting all results and identified failure modes.
• Troubleshooting: Debug and troubleshoot both electrical and mechanical issues encountered within robotic assemblies, identifying root causes and solutions.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with the AI and systems teams to ensure that developed hardware precisely meets the requirements for data collection and experimental needs.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience with electronics, encompassing soldering, breadboarding, and basic circuit design, coupled with comfort working in a lab environment with physical hardware and tools.
• Skills: Familiarity with CAD tools for mechanical or PCB design (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, KiCad, Altium); ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, and technical drawings; strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to testing and documentation.
• Bonus: Experience with embedded systems or microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi); familiarity with ROS or robotics middleware; prior experience with 3D printing, laser cutting, or other rapid prototyping methods; coursework or projects involving robot arm design, sensor integration, or motor control.