Mechanical Engineering Intern

About the role

This internship places you at the heart of Rainmaker's mission to engineer a modern cloud seeding system that tackles water scarcity and challenging weather conditions head on. You will own the design, validation, and documentation of critical mechanical hardware that ensures our UAS platforms perform reliably in demanding atmospheric conditions. The role immerses you in a fast paced, extremely innovative environment where your contributions will directly influence operational capability and mission success. You will work under the direct guidance of the Lead Mechanical Engineer, gaining deep exposure to how subsystems integrate into a complete operational product. Your work will span rapid prototyping, rigorous analysis, and clear communication with manufacturing partners. You will collaborate daily with electrical and software teams to ensure mechanical solutions align with system level goals. This position is ideal for someone who wants hands on ownership of hardware that supports cutting edge atmospheric operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the development of functional prototypes for UAS subsystems, iterating designs rapidly based on flight test results and mission requirements.
• Create detailed test fixtures that validate prototype components, ensuring measurements are repeatable, accurate, and aligned with test objectives.
• Support structural analysis by defining loading scenarios, boundary conditions, and constraints for mechanical components using FEA tools.
• Run linear static, linear dynamic, nonlinear dynamic, and thermal simulations to verify that designs meet performance and safety criteria.
• Interpret analysis results, identify potential failure modes, and recommend design modifications to improve robustness and reliability.
• Produce clear fabrication and assembly documentation that manufacturers can follow precisely to convert designs into physical hardware.
• Maintain meticulous records of test procedures, results, and design changes to support traceability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with electrical engineers to ensure mechanical interfaces, mounts, and enclosures accommodate electronic components and wiring.
• Coordinate with software teams to understand how mechanical behavior affects sensor performance and data collection during missions.
• Contribute to cross functional discussions, offering mechanical insights that shape system requirements and integration strategies.

Requirements

• You are currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field with a strong focus on mechanical systems.
• You have hands on experience with CAD software, specifically SolidWorks, to create detailed parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• You are proficient in SolidWorks FEA, performing linear static, linear dynamic, nonlinear dynamic, and thermal analyses to inform design decisions.
• You have practical experience using 3D printers and basic manufacturing methods to produce prototypes and iterate on designs.
• You have sheet metal design knowledge or manufacturing experience, which is preferred and will strengthen your contribution to the team.
• You have a track record of taking a project from conceptual ideas through to production ready hardware, demonstrating ownership and follow through.
• You are able to work effectively across multiple functions, communicating clearly with electrical engineers and software developers.
• You are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, as Rainmaker participates in E Verify verification.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with UAS platforms, payload integration, or atmospheric sensing hardware is preferred if available.
• Familiarity with operational environments that involve flight testing, rapid iteration, and strict reliability standards.
• Experience documenting processes and preparing technical packages for external manufacturing or suppliers.

Practical notes

This is a full time internship based in El Segundo, California, and candidates must be able to work on site during regular business hours. Rainmaker complies with all applicable employment laws and participates in E Verify, which may be required for employment consideration.