Job Title: Summer/Fall Intern or Coop– Mechanical Engineering and R&D
Location: El Segundo, CA
Type: Internship/Coop (Summer/Fall 2025)
About Us
Shinkei is a pioneering robotics startup based in El Segundo, California. We are dedicated to revolutionizing the seafood industry by delivering higher quality, better tasting, and longer-lasting fish through innovative robotics solutions. Our technology integrates computer vision and advanced mechanisms to assist fishermen in fish processing, enhancing efficiency and product quality.
Job Overview
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering Intern/Coop to join our team for the summer or fall of 2025. This role offers hands-on experience in the development, prototyping, and testing of robotic systems deployed in a marine environment and tailored for the seafood industry. You’ll work closely with our core team of engineers, contributing to meaningful projects that blend mechanical engineering with real-world problem-solving.
Responsibilities
- Design, prototype and test mechanical components for robotic systems.
- Conduct research to identify innovative solutions for challenges in seafood automation.
- Own an entire project and collaborate with the wider engineering team to assemble, troubleshoot, test and validate as needed.
- Support the development of experimental setups for testing and validation of robotic systems.
- Participate in team brainstorming sessions and provide creative input for design challenges.
- Deliver documented design iterations, experimental results, and findings in a clear and organized manner.
Qualifications
- Interest in machine design
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related.
- Experience designing mechanical components in CAD
- Experience with conventional machining and rapid prototyping
- Exposure to common machine elements such as bearings, gears, belt/cable, lead screws)
- Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Prior experience with robotics, hands on fabrication, food equipment, or marine tech/fisheries is a bonus.
What We Offer
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge novel robotics projects.
- Mentorship from experienced engineers.
- A high-intensity, collaborative and fun startup culture.
- An opportunity to harness technology to positively impact food systems.
- This role is open to new grads as an Associate Engineer role where you have the potential opportunity to earn a full-time position at the end of your internship.
Join us and help harness technology to democratize artisanal food!