What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineering Intern — R&D position at Addium?
About Addium
Addium is a fast-growing company at the intersection of science, sensors, and software. We provide innovative solutions for controlled agriculture and food testing. We value "high mentorship density," meaning you will have direct access to senior leadership and an environment that prioritizes your professional growth.
The Opportunity
Addium is seeking a high-potential Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our Research & Development team for Summer 2026. This isn't a "shadowing" role; you will be an active contributor to our high-stakes R&D initiative focused on the next generation of scientific instrumentation.
You will own defined sub-systems and see designs move from CAD concepts to physical prototypes. This role is designed for a student who wants to be in the lab, get their hands dirty with prototyping, and use cutting-edge AI tools to accelerate the engineering lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
By the end of the summer, you will have completed:
Addium is a fast-growing company at the intersection of science, sensors, and software. We provide innovative solutions for controlled agriculture and food testing. We value "high mentorship density," meaning you will have direct access to senior leadership and an environment that prioritizes your professional growth.
The Opportunity
Addium is seeking a high-potential Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our Research & Development team for Summer 2026. This isn't a "shadowing" role; you will be an active contributor to our high-stakes R&D initiative focused on the next generation of scientific instrumentation.
You will own defined sub-systems and see designs move from CAD concepts to physical prototypes. This role is designed for a student who wants to be in the lab, get their hands dirty with prototyping, and use cutting-edge AI tools to accelerate the engineering lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Mechanical Design: Assist in CAD modeling (SolidWorks), assembly design, and the production of high-quality 2D drawings for Driscoll components.
- Prototyping & Testing: Support prototype builds and lab testing. You will document results, identify points of failure, and suggest corrective actions.
- Engineering Documentation: Develop and maintain BOMs (Bills of Materials), assembly instructions, and design rationale notes to Addium standards.
- Technical Analysis: Conduct tolerance stack-ups, basic FEA, and material comparisons to support design decisions.
- AI Integration: Use AI tools (e.g., Claude) to accelerate literature research, draft technical specifications, and summarize complex standards.
- Design Reviews: Participate in formal reviews, preparing redlines and supporting visuals for the R&D leadership team.
- Academic Background: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (Rising Juniors, Seniors, or Grad students preferred).
- CAD Power User: Proficiency in SolidWorks is strongly preferred. You should be comfortable with complex assemblies and drawing standards.
- Technical Foundation: Strong grasp of mechanical design principles, including GD&T, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
- Hands-on Mindset: Familiarity with prototyping methods such as 3D printing, machining, or sheet metal fabrication.
- Detail Oriented: You take pride in clean models and organized documentation.
- Tech-Forward: You are curious about how AI can improve engineering workflows and are eager to use it in a professional R&D setting.
By the end of the summer, you will have completed:
- Fully reviewed 3D models and 2D drawings for 2-3 assigned subsystems.
- A comprehensive Engineering Documentation Package incorporated into active project files.
- A Technical Research Memo on a Driscoll-relevant topic that directly influences project direction.
- A Final Presentation to the Executive Leadership Team summarizing your work and recommendations for the next design phase.