Robotics Process Engineer Intern - Research and Development

At Machina Labs, we’re reshaping manufacturing through advanced robotics and machine learning. Our platform uses the largest 7-axis robots on the market to form 2D sheets of metal into complex 3D parts, layer-by-layer.

Traditional sheet metal production was designed for scale, not flexibility. It relies on costly dies and tooling that make lower volume projects prohibitively slow and expensive. We’re changing that. Whether you’re a defense prime building a few thousand airframes or an automaker building next-generation panels, Machina Labs gives you the ability to iterate and manufacture at the speed of software.

With support from the venture arms of Toyota, NVIDIA, and Lockheed Martin, we’re accelerating the future of manufacturing, one where factories are flexible, production is on-demand, and innovation is unconstrained.

Job Description:

Machina Labs is seeking a Robotics Process Engineer Intern to support the research and development of RoboForming, our robotic incremental sheet metal forming technology.

This role focuses on advancing robotic manufacturing processes through experimentation, CAD development, robotic tool path generation, and data analysis. Interns will work closely with engineers and researchers to explore new forming strategies, evaluate process performance, and contribute to the development of next-generation robotic manufacturing capabilities.

This is a hands-on research and development role within a highly collaborative engineering environment. You will work with cutting-edge robotic systems and internal software tools to convert digital designs into robotic action, analyze forming and scan data, and iterate on process strategies using real-world engineering feedback.

This role reports into our Research and Development Team.

Key Responsibilities:

- Support the development and modification of CAD models for experimental RoboForming process development.

- Assist in generating robotic tool paths using internal software and development tools.

- Analyze forming data and 3D scan results to evaluate part quality and process performance.

- Design and execute engineering experiments (DOE) to investigate forming strategies, tooling approaches, and process parameters.

- Design and execute experiments to support machine learning (ML) model development and anchor process simulations.

- Work closely with engineering teams to evaluate results and iterate on process development strategies.

- Participate in prototyping and testing of robotic forming techniques and digital tooling workflows.

- Document experimental setups, results, and analysis to support ongoing R&D initiatives.

Required Background & Experience:

- Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or similar tools through academic or project work.

- Familiarity with CAM concepts, tool path generation, or robotics.

- Foundational experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or advanced Excel.

- Experience with mechanical and manufacturing process simulation, including mechanics-of-materials analysis and forming simulations (e.g. FEA, Abaqus, DEFORM, or similar).

- Interest in solving open-ended engineering problems through experimentation and iterative development.

- Strong attention to detail and ability to document technical work clearly.

- Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with surface modeling through CAD coursework or projects.

- Exposure to industrial robotics systems (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, or similar).

- Familiarity with 3D scanning, metrology, or inspection tools.

- Experience in CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or digital manufacturing.

- Experience working in engineering labs, research teams, or technical project environments.

- Experience working with ML tools and/or GPU computing.

- Understanding of engineering lab or manufacturing safety practices.

Machina Labs is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law.

We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at (888)444-9777. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.