Robotics Engineering Intern: Surface Profile Automation

Hello! I am Evan the University Recruiter for GrayMatter Robotics! Thank you for your interest in our upcoming internship opportunity. Please note there are two different positions, one requiring export control requirements and the other must be able to secure work authorization in the United States. This role is on the Government Projects team. Read each description carefully and apply to the correct position. Best of luck and excited to interact with you!
Summary:

Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, GrayMatter Robotics is a well-capitalized AI robotics startup serving the manufacturing industry. We empower shop floor workers with our smart robots that assist with tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks, specifically in automated surface finishing. Our proprietary GMR-AI™ software is integrated with state-of-the-art industrial robots, sensors, and tools to create application-specific turnkey solutions for customers through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.

We help manufacturers improve the quality of life for their workforce while increasing production capacity, and reducing scrap, repair, and rework costs. As a Robotics Engineering Intern you will join our Special Projects team onsite in our Carson, CA office to spearhead advancements in robotic grinding applications. Your work will enhance manufacturing efficiency and precision, while supporting GMR's mission to innovate and improve industry standards.

Join our Special Projects team to automate surface profile measurement for blasted/prepped substrates using techniques per ASTM D4417 Method C and stylus/optical profilometry. You’ll prototype compliant end-effectors and fixtures, integrate sensors and motion, build a robust data pipeline, and validate accuracy/repeatability so our robots can measure, log, and certify profiles at production speed.

Role & Responsibilities

• Mechanism and tooling: Design/prototype end-effectors/fixtures to automate Testex tape placement or similar technique, controlled burnishing, and gauge reading (force/torque, alignment, curvature & edge handling).

• Data and analytics: Implement Python/ROS routines for Ra/Rz/Rt and peak-to-valley metrics; apply filtering, sampling length/cutoff rules aligned to ISO/ASME practices (e.g., ISO 4287/4288).

• Correlation and calibration: Correlate replica-tape readings to profilometer ground truth; design Gage, uncertainty budgets, and DOE to characterize repeatability across media, operators, and geometries.

• Quality and reporting: Build go/no-go logic tied to spec windows; auto-generate QA reports and digital certificates with traceable logs.

• General support: Support testing and troubleshooting to keep pilots and deployments moving.

Export Control Requirements

In order to comply with the export regulations of the United States Government, it is required that the applicant must fall under one of the following categories: (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (i.e. current green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS/MS in Mechanical /Mechatronics /Electrical /Materials /Manufacturing /Robotics or a similar field

• Hands-on prototyping of mechatronic or test/measurement systems; CAD familiarity.

• Proficiency in Python (NumPy/pandas), basic ROS, data acquisition, and Git.

• Comfortable building fixtures (3D printing/machining basics), wiring sensors, and running shop/lab experiments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Robotics exposure (UR/FANUC/KUKA), force/torque sensing, compliance control, motion planning.

• Computer vision (OpenCV), laser line scanners, confocal/white-light interferometry, or 3D cameras.

• Statistics for engineering: Gage R&R, MSA, uncertainty analysis; comfort with NIST-traceable roughness standards.

• Strong technical writing (SOPs, validation reports) and stakeholder-facing comms.

GrayMatter Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply!

GrayMatter Robotics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact [email protected] to submit your request.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation for this position includes the base hourly range of $30 - $35/hr USD. We also provide comprehensive benefits and perks which include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, PTO, offsite events, a discretionary fund for enhancing productivity and so much more! The range listed on job postings reflect the minimum and maximum new hire salary across levels in Los Angeles, CA.