Hardware R&D Intern (May 2026)

Your New Role and Team

Sanctuary, a world leader in developing AI-based control systems for humanoid robots, is seeking a 4- or 8-month Hardware R&D Intern starting May 2026, with a preference for candidates available for the full 8-month term. Reporting to the Hardware R&D Lead, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of hardware systems, sensors and actuators, instrumentation, and control systems. 

The best candidates for this role have excellent mechanical/mechatronics engineering or engineering physics or equivalent background and hands-on experience with fast prototyping, machining, sensors and actuators, mechanical mechanisms, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Ultimately, you’ll be a valued resource as you contribute to the development and optimization of the actuation systems, sensors, and other instrumentations. 

• Bring hands-on experience in machining, fast prototyping methods, structural simulation, sensors and actuator design
• Gain cutting-edge career experience as you build and monitor the performance of new prototypes, resolve issues and iterate to improve the performance and resolve the issues of the previous versions
• Achieve company-wide visibility as you partner with design and mechanical teams using test equipment and assisting with experiments
• Expand your R&D experience as you develop, prototype and manufacture new parts and systems

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, engineering physics, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• Knowledge in fluid mechanics, hydraulics and heat transfer
• Knowledge of CAD, mechanical design, mechanisms and actuators
• Hands-on experience and deep technical understanding of prototyping methods, machining, and 3D printing

• In-depth knowledge of mechanical design, fluid mechanics (including hydraulics) and heat transfer, sensors and actuators, and mechatronics systems
• CAD experience (OnShape, SolidWorks, etc.), machining and power tools experience, and hands-on experience with fast prototyping methods
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and process documentation skills

• Above all else, a consistently positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to create robust solutions to complex problems
• Optimistic listening and conflict resolution capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to influence others without authority
• Eager to take on new challenges with tenacity and positivity
• Patience, persistence, and attention to detail when resolving performance issues
• Obsession with bringing human-like intelligence to machines

** Please note, all applicants must upload their Resume AND Portfolio to complete the application process for this role. **

Working at Sanctuary AI

Sanctuary AI is an equal opportunity employer; employment with Sanctuary AI is governed based on skills, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any way by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. In 2023, Sanctuary AI moved into a state-of-the-art office facility and has been recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Startup company.

Compensation and Benefits

Sanctuary offers a market-leading compensation package that includes competitive salaries, equity stakes, and a full suite of benefits for permanent employees, encompassing health coverage, paid time off, cutting-edge work facilities, and worksite flexibility by role. Our commitment to fairness ensures that our total compensation consistently surpasses market standards.

About Sanctuary AI

Founded in 2018, Sanctuary builds humanoid robots and a novel control system for them that integrates symbolic logic and reasoning with data-driven robot foundation models. We use our robots to collect vision, audio, touch, and proprioception data from the perspective of the robot while they perform real-world work tasks. We use that data to train multimodal robot foundation models. Because our systems are vertically integrated, we can design, deploy, and refine at scale. Our mission is to create the world's first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots.

Recruiting and Employment Agency Notice:

Recruitment and hiring is conducted internally by Sanctuary AI. We are not seeking or soliciting any new agency partnerships or agreements at this time. Any employment agency or professional recruiter (“Agency”) that provides an unsolicited resume(s) or otherwise presents a prospective job candidate through the Sanctuary AI career site or directly to any Sanctuary AI employee, irrevocably grants to Sanctuary AI the unrestricted right to engage, hire, or contract with that candidate at Sanctuary AI's sole discretion without any compensation to the Agency. We appreciate your interest in working together, and should the need arise our Talent Acquisition team will contact any external firms directly.