Mechanical/Test Engineering Intern

About the role

Terranova develops robotic systems designed to reshape landscapes, restore wetlands, and protect infrastructure from rising sea levels. We are looking for an intern to manage the mechanical design and testing of these large-scale industrial machines. In this position, you will own the complete mechanical lifecycle of our field hardware, ensuring that every component meets extreme environmental and reliability standards. You will apply rigorous first-principles thinking to solve complex engineering challenges that directly impact real-world ecosystems and critical infrastructure. The role requires a high degree of ownership, where your analysis and prototypes will dictate the success of demanding field deployments. You will be responsible for validating designs through hands-on testing and translating raw data into actionable engineering improvements. This is a hands-on position that demands curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to quality under tight timelines. Your work will directly support machines that operate in harsh conditions, making this internship a critical part of our production pipeline.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Take full responsibility for the mechanical and electromechanical components of our field-deployed hardware, ensuring all subsystems operate reliably in the field.
• Use first-principles engineering and finite element analysis to refine designs for harsh environments, optimizing for durability, weight, and manufacturability.
• Build prototypes and run rigorous test campaigns to verify hardware reliability, documenting every result to inform iterative improvements.
• Coordinate with electrical, controls, and field teams to ensure system integration, aligning mechanical outputs with electrical and software requirements.
• Conduct failure analysis and apply real-world data to improve machine performance, identifying root causes and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Operate and maintain shop equipment and fabrication tools to produce high-quality mechanical parts that meet strict tolerances and specifications.
• Support the development of test procedures and validation protocols that simulate real-world conditions to de-risk new designs before deployment.
• Interpret engineering drawings and schematics to guide fabrication, assembly, and troubleshooting activities across multidisciplinary projects.
• Collaborate with external vendors and partners to source materials and components, balancing cost, quality, and lead times for project needs.
• Maintain detailed technical records and progress updates, communicating clearly with stakeholders to align on timelines and deliverables.
• Drive experiments from concept to execution, adjusting variables and methods to achieve reliable and repeatable test outcomes.
• Evaluate vendor prototypes and perform acceptance testing to confirm that delivered parts meet contractual and performance criteria.
• Implement measurement and data collection strategies that capture performance metrics across environmental and operational scenarios.
• Mentor junior team members and interns in shop best practices, fostering a culture of safety, precision, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in core engineering principles.
• Proven experience in mechanical or electromechanical hardware design, preferably with heavy industrial equipment, robotics, or machinery that operates in demanding settings.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as OnShape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or NX, with the ability to produce production-ready models and assemblies.
• Practical experience with fabrication and shop-based prototyping, including personal hobby projects that demonstrate hands-on making skills and problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in a high-intensity startup environment, including 6-day workweeks and extended time in the field, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and technical obstacles.
• U.S. permanent residency is required, ensuring compliance with employment eligibility and work authorization regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and the discipline to follow engineering processes while also innovating within established frameworks.
• Physical capability to work in a laboratory and field setting, including lifting, bending, and operating equipment in varied terrain and weather conditions.

Nice to have

• Background in high voltage AC power conversion systems and lithium battery integration, supporting the electrical demands of robotic platforms.
• Experience working with fluidics and pumps, particularly in systems that manage water or other media in environmental applications.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, electromechanical controls, or field-deployed machinery that interfaces with complex mechanical assemblies.
• Programming skills in Python or C++ for simulation and control tasks, enabling automation of test routines and data analysis.
• Familiarity with machine safety protocols, FMEA, or HAZOP, contributing to risk mitigation and robust system design.
• Ability to design PCBs or work with embedded systems, expanding the mechanical intern's role into electronics integration when needed.

Practical notes

This role requires a significant time commitment, including long days and 6-day workweeks. The internship runs from August through December, with the exact dates flexible based on your academic calendar. Relocation assistance is provided to support successful onboarding and integration into the team. Berkeley location means on-site presence is essential, ensuring close collaboration with engineers and field staff. You must be available for the full duration of the internship to ensure continuity in hardware development and testing. Compliance with safety and documentation standards is mandatory for all shop and field activities.