Location: On-site - San Francisco CA
Duration: 6 months
Start Date: March 2026
Compensation: internship
We are building an autonomous robots for construction sites. As a Robotics Engineering Intern, you will work closely with the founding engineering team to design, prototype, and test robotic mechanisms and integrated mechatronic subsystems. This role combines electromechanical integration, and applied robotics.
You will gain exposure to the full robotics development cycle: concept → CAD → fabrication → assembly → sensing & actuation → testing → iteration.
What You’ll DoRobotics & IntegrationIntegrate actuators, encoders, limit switches, force sensors, and other sensors into mechanisms
Assist with motor control tuning (PID, current/velocity/position control)
Support integration with embedded controllers and robot compute platform
Help bring up hardware in ROS / ROS2 (launch files, topics, TF, basic debugging)
Participate in system-level integration between mechanical hardware, electronics, and software
Help debug electromechanical issues (misalignment, noise, vibration, wiring faults, grounding)
Design and execute experiments to validate mechanisms
Analyze results and propose design improvements
Iterate quickly based on test and field feedback
Document designs, test results, and assembly procedures
Recently completed degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field
Hands-on prototyping experience
Basic understanding of robotics fundamentals (kinematics, actuators, sensors)
Familiarity with at least one programming language (C/C++)
Comfortable working in Linux environment
Experience with microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, etc.)
Experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC)
Experience with robotics competitions or projects
Basic electronics skills (reading schematics, using multimeter)
Builder mindset with strong curiosity
Comfortable with ambiguity and fast iteration
Strong problem-solving skills
Willingness to work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
Ownership mentality
Hands-on experience building an autonomous construction robot
Exposure to real-world robotics product development
Opportunity to contribute to core product architecture
Potential for full-time offer based on performance
Skills Required
- Recently completed degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field
- Hands-on prototyping experience
- Basic understanding of robotics fundamentals (kinematics, actuators, sensors)
- Familiarity with at least one programming language (C/C++)
- Comfortable working in Linux environment
- Experience with microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, etc.)
- Experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC)
- Experience with robotics competitions or projects
- Basic electronics skills (reading schematics, using multimeter)
What We Do
Spacer Robotics is a startup developing next-generation AI robots designed to transform the construction industry and advance human progress. The company specializes in autonomous robotic systems, such as the GRID rebar-tying robot, to automate repetitive and high-risk tasks on terrestrial job sites. Its long-term mission extends beyond Earth, aiming to develop autonomous infrastructure robots capable of operating in extreme environments, including future lunar bases.
