Robotics Systems Intern
Astera Institute is an active nonprofit research institute and foundation that operates in-house neuroscience-informed AI research and funds, operates, and supports open-science programs and public goods.
About Astera Institute
Astera operates three divisions: Neuro-AI, Radial life-sciences research, and its Foundation. Its AI work pursues neuroscience-informed approaches to artificial general intelligence, while its foundation and Radial activities support open scientific infrastructure, datasets, research programs, and residencies.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will prototype and evaluate wheeled mobile bases and lifting platforms under engineering mentorship. You will assemble hardware, run repeatable performance tests, configure controls and measurements, document results, and help maintain experimental equipment and test fixtures.
Requirements
- Coursework, projects, or practical experience in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a related discipline
- Experience building and troubleshooting physical systems
- Basic familiarity with mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, motors, and sensors
- Interest in hands-on prototyping, systematic testing, measurement, and documentation
- Comfort working with an engineering mentor and maintaining a shared robotics lab
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and modify wheeled robotic platforms and mobile bases
- Design and fabricate chassis, mounts, and supporting components
- Develop repeatable tests for wheel and drivetrain configurations
- Prototype, assemble, and test lifting platforms
- Evaluate lifting range, speed, repeatability, rigidity, and stability
- Configure motor controllers and connect position and speed feedback
- Develop simple control and data-collection scripts
- Maintain CAD files, wiring diagrams, parts lists, and test records
- Organize, maintain, inspect, and repair experimental hardware and test fixtures