Mechanical/Test Engineering Intern

What to to Expect

As a mechanical engineering intern for Spring 2027 at Terranova, you will own the mechanical design of large-scale industrial systems while maintaining a systems-level overview across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines. You thrive in a startup environment - owning problems end-to-end, moving fast, and building machines that survive the real world.

You’ll lead projects from concept through field deployment: designing, analyzing, fabricating, and testing large-scale robotic systems that operate in the most demanding environments on Earth. Expect to be hands-on, spend long hours in the factory and in the field working alongside technicians and operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as an extreme owner for mechanical and electromechanical aspects of Terranova's field deployed industrial systems
• Perform first-principles engineering, FEA, hand calculations to optimize designs for real-world operation environments
• Prototype builds, execute test campaigns, and push hardware to its limits to ensure field reliability
• Collaborate closely with electrical, controls, and field deployment teams to deliver integrated, battle-tested systems
• Drive failure analysis, testing, and iterative improvement based on real-world data

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Real world experience in mechanical or electromechanical hardware design and analysis (plus for experience in machinery, robotics, or heavy industrial equipment )
• Strong CAD proficiency (OnShape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or NX)
• Hands-on fabrication and prototyping skills - you enjoy working in the shop - have a history of working on hobby projects
• Deep mechanical intuition and ability to design from first principles
• Comfortable with the pace and intensity of early-stage startup life, including long days, 6-day workweeks, and extended field hours
• Working towards a bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• U.S. permanent residency required

Nice to Have Skills

• Experience in high voltage AC power (480V, 120+ kW) conversion systems and lithium batteries
• Experience with pumps and fluidics
• Experience in electromechanical controls, hydraulics, or field-deployed systems
• Familiarity with C++, Python, or similar for controls or simulation
• Experience with compliance, HAZOP, or FMEA tools for machine safety
• PCB and embedded systems design skills are a huge bonus

Compensation and Timeline

• $25-35/hr + relocation + company perks
• Spring Internship from January-May depending on your school schedule