Quality Engineer Intern

Description

About Darkhive, LLC

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners.

At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts.

If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today!

The Quality Engineer Intern Role

We are looking for a highly motivated Quality Engineering Intern to help build and scale quality systems in a fast-paced startup environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on problem solver who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building processes from the ground up, and wants exposure to both hardware development and supplier quality operations.

You will work cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, operations, and other teams to improve product quality, strengthen supplier performance, and support the development of scalable Quality Management System (QMS) processes aligned with ISO standards. This is a builder role — we are looking for someone who is energized by creating structure, driving continuous improvement, and rolling up their sleeves to solve problems.

This role is a part-time (29 or less hours per week), on-site in San Antonio, non-exempt, non-supervisory role reporting to our VP of Quality.

This position pays $28 / hour.

• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of Quality Management System (QMS) processes and procedures aligned with ISO and other key industry standards.
• Assist in building and maintaining inspection processes, incoming inspection criteria, and quality documentation.
• Support non-conformance management activities, including root cause investigations, corrective actions, and tracking.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to improve supplier/manufacturing and product quality processes.
• Participate in supplier quality activities, including supplier evaluations, issue resolution, and corrective action follow-up.
• Help establish metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to monitor product and process quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, defect reduction, and operational scalability.
• Assist with audits, documentation reviews, and quality record management.
• Work hands-on with hardware products, prototypes, and manufacturing workflows.
• Travel occasionally to suppliers or manufacturing partners as needed.
  
  

Qualifications You Bring

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong interest in hardware quality, manufacturing quality, and operational excellence.
• Comfortable working in a startup environment with evolving priorities and high ownership expectations
• Builder mindset with the ability to create processes, documentation, and scalable systems from scratch.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Hands-on mentality with attention to detail and a bias toward action.
  
  

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with ISO standards, QMS concepts, CAPA, non-conformance management, or supplier quality processes.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, supplier quality engineering, or hardware production.
• Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, 8D, SPC, or root cause analysis methodologies
• Experience with data analysis, scripting, or automation tools
• Prior internship, research, or project experience involving hardware systems or quality engineering
• U.S. Military Veteran/Reservist
  
  

Physical And/or Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time.
• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations.
• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language.
• Learns and memorizes routine tasks.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position.
• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position.
  
  

Selection Process

• Hiring team reviews applications
• 15 – minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter
• 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager
• Take home project
• In-person or video interview with hiring team
  
  

Benefits Darkhive Offers

• Welcoming and friendly work environment
• Respect of work-life balance
  
  

Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.