Intern - Mechanical Mobile Manipulator Design

About Origin

Origin (previously 10xConstruction) is building general-purpose autonomous robots for US construction to tackle rising costs, safety risks, and labour shortages. Our modular, multi-trade platform combines purpose-built hardware with real-time site intelligence to navigate complex environments and execute tasks with precision. Trained in high-fidelity simulation and already deployed on live sites, our robots deliver 5x faster execution, 250%+ margin expansion, and significant cost savings. Join India’s most talent-dense robotics team consisting of individuals from IITs, Stanford, UCLA, etc.

About the role

The Engineering Intern (Mechanical) role is a fast-paced, hands-on immersion into industrial robotics. You will be the backbone of our prototyping efforts. If you love spending time in the workshop, building things from scratch, and figuring out how to make parts fit together perfectly, this is the role for you. You will directly support the engineering team in turning CAD into physical reality.

Key Responsibilities

Prototyping & Lab Operations:

• Operate and maintain the lab's 3D printer fleet, managing print queues for rapid prototyping of robot components.
• Build rough mockups of robot arms and bases using aluminum extrusions, wood, and basic fasteners to test kinematic reach and ergonomics.
• Maintain the mechanical workshop, ensuring tools, fasteners, and raw materials are organized and stocked.

Assembly & Calibration:

• Assist in the mechanical assembly of the core robot platform, learning how to properly align bearings, route cables, and tension belts.
• Help the engineering team build and test calibration jigs for optical sensors.

Design Support:

• Make minor updates to existing CAD models based on feedback from the shop floor.
• Export and organize CAD files for external machine shops.
• Document the teardown of mechanical test units to identify areas of wear or failure.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Hands-on Builder: You must have a history of building things (e.g., hobby robotics, woodworking, automotive repair, RC cars).
• Basic CAD Skills: Comfortable navigating and creating basic parts in SolidWorks or Fusion360.
• Understanding of basic mechanical principles (levers, gears, fasteners, basic statics).
• High energy, a strong safety mindset in the workshop, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Preferred Experiences

• Participated in a university engineering design team (e.g., SAE, Rover, Design Build Fly).
• Experience with manual machining (mill/lathe) is a massive plus.

For apprentice/Intern : This is a six-month contract-to-hire position, with potential for longer-term opportunities depending on your contributions and interests. We’re excited to work with motivated individuals who are eager to support real-world robot development and grow alongside us.

• Gain experience in a dynamic startup environment at the forefront of robotics and AI innovation.
• Contribute to the development of technology that will revolutionize the construction industry.
• Work alongside a talented and passionate team committed to making a real-world impact.
• Learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills in robotics software engineering.
• Gain practical experience in a real-world engineering environment.
• Contribute to a project with the potential to make a significant impact on the construction industry.