Simbe is building the AI-powered operating system for physical retail. Our autonomous robots and multimodal computer vision platform turn complex, constantly changing stores into accurate, actionable intelligence for leading retailers around the world. Simbe combines robotics, computer vision, machine learning, data infrastructure, and customer-focused product design to help retailers improve shelf availability, price and promo execution, inventory accuracy, and store team productivity.
Simbe is looking for a Hardware / Mechanical Engineering Intern to join the team designing, testing, and improving the Tally autonomous robot platform.
As an intern, you’ll work alongside our Hardware Engineering team and contribute to a meaningful project tied to the team’s active priorities. Your specific project will be selected by your hiring manager closer to your start date so that your work directly supports what the team is building at that time.
Depending on current priorities, your work may involve areas such as mechanical component design or redesign, DFM/DFA improvements, prototyping, bench testing, reliability improvements, manufacturing support, or early concepts for future generations of the Tally platform.
This internship is designed for students who want hands-on experience building physical robotic systems and solving real-world mechanical engineering problems.
Why This Internship Is High Impact
Work on real robots. Contribute to the mechanical systems behind Tally robots operating every day in live retail environments.
Learn production hardware engineering. Gain exposure to design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, reliability, and field-driven iteration.
Contribute to meaningful work. Your project will align with an active team initiative rather than being isolated “intern work.”
Own a defined project. You’ll be given clear goals and an appropriately scoped problem you can meaningfully contribute to during the internship.
Learn from experienced hardware engineers. You’ll work directly with Simbe engineers and have a dedicated mentor separate from your hiring manager.
See the full product lifecycle. Gain exposure to how design decisions move from concept and CAD through prototypes, testing, manufacturing, and field deployment.
Responsibilities
Own and contribute to a scoped project aligned with the Hardware team’s priorities during your internship.
Support mechanical design and redesign work for components and assemblies on the Tally robot platform.
Create and update CAD models, drawings, and related design documentation.
Build and evaluate prototypes using appropriate fabrication and prototyping methods.
Conduct bench testing, collect data, document results, and help identify design improvements.
Support design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly efforts based on field, reliability, or manufacturing feedback.
Assist with root-cause analysis of mechanical issues and evaluate potential design changes.
Collaborate with engineers across Hardware, Robot Software, Manufacturing, Operations, and other technical teams.
Communicate progress, technical decisions, tradeoffs, challenges, and results throughout the internship.
Present your project, approach, results, and key learnings at the end of the program.
Required Qualifications
Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Product Design, or a related technical field.
We primarily target students in their final year of study and will also consider strong juniors.
Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar.
Understanding of core mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerances, fasteners, fits, and basic manufacturing processes.
Hands-on experience building, prototyping, assembling, or testing physical systems.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and communicate design intent clearly.
Strong technical problem-solving skills and willingness to work through ambiguous or unfamiliar problems.
Ability to work effectively in a hands-on engineering environment.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Bonus Qualifications
Personal robotics, mechanical, mechatronics, or product-design projects outside of coursework.
Previous hardware, mechanical engineering, robotics, manufacturing, or product development internship experience.
Experience designing components for CNC machining, sheet metal, injection molding, 3D printing, or other manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles and tolerance analysis.
Experience with mechanical testing, fixture design, reliability testing, or failure analysis.
Experience working with motors, sensors, actuators, electromechanical assemblies, or mobile robots.
Familiarity with basic electronics, wiring, or hardware/software integration.
Experience with FEA or other mechanical simulation tools.
Experience working on a robotics team, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, research lab, competition team, or similar hands-on engineering organization.
Experience using AI-assisted engineering or design tools and the ability to thoughtfully validate generated output.
Internship Program Structure
A defined technical project aligned with current team priorities
A hiring manager responsible for project scope, performance, and feedback
A dedicated mentor separate from the hiring manager
Structured midpoint feedback
Regular opportunities to collaborate with and learn from Simbe engineers
A final project presentation at the end of the internship
Interns join Simbe as part of a structured cohort and work full time from our Burlingame, California headquarters.
Each intern will have:
We do not believe in creating busywork for interns. Your project will be selected closer to your start date based on active team priorities so that you can contribute to meaningful work alongside our full-time engineering team.
Result Driven — We are customer-centric and results-driven. We strive to create immense value for our team, partners, customers, and investors.
Empathetic — We are sensitive and mindful. We support each other in challenging times, both professionally and personally.
Transparent — We value open communication internally, and with our partners and customers. We are receptive to feedback.
Agile — We are eager to learn and adapt quickly to changes and customer needs.
Innovative — We are bold and innovative, with an intense focus on product design, user experience, and customer value.
Leaders — We strive for excellence. We are accountable, the best at what we do, and leaders in our field.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Product Design, or a related technical field
- Primarily in the final year of study; strong juniors may also be considered
- Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar
- Understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerances, fasteners, fits, and basic manufacturing processes
- Hands-on experience building, prototyping, assembling, or testing physical systems
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and communicate design intent clearly
- Strong technical problem-solving skills and willingness to address ambiguous or unfamiliar problems
- Ability to work effectively in a hands-on engineering environment
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Personal robotics, mechanical, mechatronics, or product-design projects outside coursework
- Previous hardware, mechanical engineering, robotics, manufacturing, or product development internship experience
- Experience designing components for CNC machining, sheet metal, injection molding, 3D printing, or other manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles and tolerance analysis
- Experience with mechanical testing, fixture design, reliability testing, or failure analysis
- Experience working with motors, sensors, actuators, electromechanical assemblies, or mobile robots
- Familiarity with basic electronics, wiring, or hardware/software integration
- Experience with FEA or other mechanical simulation tools
- Experience on a robotics team, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, research lab, competition team, or similar hands-on engineering organization
- Experience using AI-assisted engineering or design tools and thoughtfully validating generated output
What We Do
Automating Retail Simbe Robotics builds automation solutions for the retail industry. Simbe’s first product, Tally, is the world’s first fully autonomous shelf auditing and analytics solution; one that provides retailers unprecedented visibility and insight into the state of merchandise in their stores. Tally works in concert with retail associates by arming them with information to ensure the store’s products are always stocked, in the right place, and displaying the correct price tag. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit www.simberobotics.com or follow the company at @simberobotics
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