Mechatronics Intern

This is a full-time, in-person role compensated $2k / month.Company OverviewWe are building the technology and industrial base to make the promise of cell-based regenerative medicine available to everyone, for every ailment. As a cutting-edge seed-stage biotechnology company, we are developing an AI-driven deep tech platform that integrates software, AI, sequencing, and robotics to guide stem cell differentiation and generate functional tissues at scale. Our small, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers works at the intersection of biology, automation, and intelligence.Position OverviewWe are seeking a Mechatronics Engineer Intern to help design, prototype, and integrate hardware systems that bridge biology, robotics, and automation. You’ll gain hands-on experience in electromechanical system design, control programming, and lab-based testing to advance the core platform of our company.This internship is a paid, full-time, on-site position designed for students, recent graduates, or professional seeking experience in biotech who are passionate about applying mechatronics to healthcare challenges - with an eye to improve human health. Exceptional performance may lead to a permanent position based on funding availability, performance, and mutual fit.You will work directly with the CEO, experienced engineers, and other team members in a fast-paced, collaborative start-up environment.Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Design & IntegrationDesign, prototype, and iterate electromechanical subsystems for tissue fabrication platforms (e.g., automated bioreactors, robotic handling, perfusion systems)Write control code to run differentiation campaigns. Develop APIs and UIs if needed.Integrate sensors, actuators, controllers, and embedded systems into custom hardware platformsDevelop scalable automation solutions for cell culture, differentiation, and tissue maturationCollaborate with software engineers to implement closed-loop control systems, machine vision, and real-time monitoringHardware Development & TestingBuild and maintain precision instrumentation that enables high-reliability tissue engineering workflowsConduct rapid prototyping using 3D printing, machining, CNC, and other fabrication methodsEvaluate system performance, run failure analysis, and optimize for robustness, accuracy, and throughputMaintain design documentation (CAD, schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs) and ensure reproducibilityRun troubleshooting campaigns with water to discover and fix bugs across the stackRun beta experiments with live cells to demonstrate fitness of hardware for scientific and commercial applications; in collaboration with scientistsCross-functional CollaborationWork closely with cell biologists and bioengineers to align mechanical and biological performance targetsSupport scientific experimentation by rapidly iterating on hardware needsContribute to design reviews, safety assessments, and regulatory documentation as neededProvide training and technical support to lab and operations staffCommunicate actively with leadership about technical, cultural, and any other corporate topicsStrategic DevelopmentContribute to platform roadmap and inform long-term hardware infrastructure strategyIdentify and evaluate emerging technologies that could accelerate our manufacturing capabilitiesParticipate in IP generation and protect novel designs through coordination with legal counselRequired QualificationsTechnical ExperienceExperience and interest in electromechanical, mechatronics, or automation engineering roles, ideally in industrial biotech, medical devices, or advanced manufacturing - personal projects or academic extra-curricular experiences are acceptableProficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or other) and hardware development toolsExperience with embedded systems (Raspberry Pi or others) and control theoryFamiliarity with automation platforms (e.g., PLCs, robotic arms, motion control systems)Programming proficiency a strong plusExperience with liquid handlers nice to haveExperience with cell culture nice to haveDomain KnowledgeUnderstanding of biological lab workflows and constraints preferredExperience with fluidics, thermal management, and sterile design is a strong plusKnowledge of rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing methodsCollaborative & Leadership SkillsComfortable working across disciplines in a small, dynamic teamStrong problem-solving and hands-on engineering abilitiesAbility to manage time effectively in a resource-constrained environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skillsPreferred QualificationsEducational BackgroundBS, MS, or PhD in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplineSpecific ExperiencePrior work in a startup, biotech startup, or medical hardware developmentExperience with FDA or ISO 13485 design control processesDemonstrated ability to take hardware from concept to functional deploymentParticipation in engineering forums, competitions, or open-source contributionsWhat We OfferCompensation Package$2k / month for the contract period (we fully understand this is substantially below market rate)Review of compensation and substantial equity participation upon transition to full-time roleProfessional Opportunity3-month full-time contract with opportunity for permanent full-time conversionGround-floor opportunity to shape the intelligent hardware backbone of a breakthrough biotech platformWork at the intersection of AI, software, sequencing, automation, and regenerative medicineDeep collaboration with a world-class scientific and engineering teamBuild a hyper growth start-up from the ground upGrowth EnvironmentEntrepreneurial, fast-paced environment with significant autonomyDirect reporting to the CEO and close collaboration with the scientific co-foundersOpportunity to build a core hardware function from the ground upExposure to leading-edge iPSC technology and regenerative therapeutics