Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.
Hardware Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 Internship
About Parallel Systems
Parallel Systems is building the future of freight transportation with autonomous, electric rail vehicles. Our technology reimagines how goods move across the country, combining cutting-edge robotics, vehicle engineering, and software to create a cleaner, more efficient rail network.
Role Summary
The Hardware Engineering Intern will drive progress toward initial production and production ramp-up of Mk3 vehicles. This is a hands-on role spanning design and analysis work, process development and improvement, field testing, troubleshooting, and failure analysis. You will own and deliver a production subsystem or process from concept through implementation.
What You Will Work On
Projects will be scoped based on team priorities during the internship, but may include:
- Design and implementation of end-of-line testing for Mk3 pneumatic and brake systems
- Design, analysis, and deployment of improved powertrain installation tooling
- Design, procurement, and deployment of LV harness checkout test bench
- Design, installation, and checkout of Mk3 drag-on instrumentation system
- Design, commissioning, and implementation of gearbox onboard sensor suite
What to Expect
- Weeks 1-2: Onboarding, vehicle familiarization, facility visits, and pairing with an engineer on a small initial project
- Weeks 3-6: First project assignment with requirements gathering, benchmarking, concept design review, and prototype development
- Weeks 7-10: Final project assignment (new or continuation), full design cycle through implementation and field testing
- Weeks 11-12: Final presentation of outcomes, documentation, recommended next steps, and handover to the team
Progress will be tracked through weekly check-ins, design reviews, field testing with data review and presentation, and feedback from the broader engineering team.
Basic Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (rising junior, senior, or graduate student)
- Self-motivated problem solver who takes personal ownership of challenges and drives them to completion
- Comfortable applying first-principles thinking to find creative solutions beyond your usual scope
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present design work and field test results
Preferred Requirements
- Leadership experience on a hands-on engineering team that solves real-world problems while balancing competing priorities (e.g., FSAE, solar car, Design Build Fly, Baja SAE, or similar)
- EE candidates: CAD proficiency to enable cross-functional contributions
- ME candidates: Experience with electronics, coding, or PCBA design
- Experience with design reviews, prototyping, and iterative hardware development cycles
Compensation:
- The expected hourly rate for this role is $50/hr.
Please note the hourly range in the job posting reflects the new hire hourly range across levels that would be applicable to the position. Final compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s final level. Also, this range represents base compensation only and does not include equity or benefits, if applicable.
Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.
Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.
Top Skills
What We Do
Parallel Systems is a startup company developing the future of intermodal transportation. Our mission is to decarbonize freight while improving supply chain logistics and safety. We are developing vehicles and software to create new autonomous and electric transportation systems for existing rail infrastructure, allowing railroads to convert part of the $700 billion U.S. trucking industry to rail.
