ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hardware Development Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Figure

Hardware Test Intern [Fall 2026]

San Jose, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

... Intern to join our team for an extended internship of 8 to 12 months ... In this role, you will be a key contributor to the development and testing of our humanoid hardware ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer Intern (Spring 2027)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

CAD Engineer Intern (Spring 2027) As an intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on ... Has a passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment with hands-on ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer Intern (Winter 2027)

San Francisco, CA

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

CAD Engineer Intern (Winter 2027) As an intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on ... Has a passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment with hands-on ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

CAD Engineer Intern (Summer 2027) As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on ... Has a passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment with hands-on ...

True Anomaly

Propulsion and Fluids Intern

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... spacecraft hardware development. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist test engineers with test setup ... Fall Intern Program will run September - December 2026 * Must be able to provide own transportation.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHardware Development Intern JobsHardware Development Intern Jobs in California

Hardware Development Intern information

What does a hardware development intern do?

A Hardware Development Intern assists in designing, testing, and improving electronic hardware components and systems. Their responsibilities may include working with circuit boards, running simulations, assembling prototypes, and troubleshooting hardware issues under the supervision of senior engineers. Interns often collaborate with cross-functional teams and use specialized tools to ensure the hardware meets performance and quality standards. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to the product development lifecycle in the tech industry.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a hardware development intern expect during their internship?

As a Hardware Development Intern, you can expect to engage in hands-on tasks such as circuit design, prototyping, and testing of electronic components. Interns often support senior engineers by assisting with schematic capture, PCB layout, and troubleshooting hardware issues. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, like software or mechanical engineering, is common to ensure seamless product integration. You'll also have opportunities to participate in design reviews and contribute to documentation, gaining exposure to the full product development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware development intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Development Intern, you generally need a background in electrical or computer engineering, strong analytical skills, and basic knowledge of circuit design and hardware components. Familiarity with CAD tools, PCB design software (such as Altium Designer or Eagle), and laboratory instrumentation is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with engineering teams and learn quickly. These skills and qualities are essential to contribute effectively to hardware projects and gain valuable hands-on experience in technology development.

What is the difference between Hardware Development Intern vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Development InternHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, collaborative teams in tech companies or startupsFull-time roles, responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining hardware systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, and research labs for training and developmentUsed across industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications for product development

The main difference between a Hardware Development Intern and a Hardware Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns typically assist with projects, learn on the job, and are in training, while Hardware Engineers take on full project responsibilities, design hardware, and oversee development processes.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Development Intern jobs in California?

For Hardware Development Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hardware Development Intern jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hardware Development Intern jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Development Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hardware Development Intern job openings:

Hardware Development Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Development Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Hardware Test Intern [Fall 2026]

San Jose, CA • On-site

Figure
See more jobs at Figureexternal

$35 - $45/hr

Internship

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.
Figure AI's Reliability team is looking for a motivated and talented Reliability Test Engineering Intern to join our team for an extended internship of 8 to 12 months. In this role, you will be a key contributor to the development and testing of our humanoid hardware systems, ensuring our products are meeting the reliability targets. This is a unique, hands-on opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and build custom scalable test stations to perform functional, performance, and reliability testing on key robotic sub-assemblies.
  • Develop mechanical and electrical systems incorporating diverse hardware components including, DAQ, communication modules, actuators, and sensors.
  • Facilitate the electromechanical integration of sensors, motors, and controllers, ensuring proper functionality and communication within the system.
  • Generate detailed electrical schematic drawings and wiring diagram documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on hands-on testing, data analysis, and iterative design improvements.
  • Contribute to the root cause analysis and resolution of complex hardware-software integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and control domains.
  • Conduct test-station bring-up and qualification to ensure system robustness, and drive setup improvements to meet testing and data-capture requirements.

Requirements:
  • Portfolio or website showcasing relevant projects and your role
  • Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical or a related engineering field, with at least two years completed by the start of the internship
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, building, and testing mechanical or electromechanical prototypes.
  • Familiarity version control (Git) and programming (e.g., Python, C++, C, MATLAB)
  • Strong hands-on hardware aptitude and a proven ability to take hardware projects from concept to reality.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • A genuine passion for robotics and hardware development.

Bonus Qualifications:
  1. Proficiency in CAD software for mechanical and electrical design. (CATIA V6 experience)
  2. Familiarity with rapid prototyping (3D printing, circuit design)
  3. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and first article inspection
  4. Familiarity with test station qualification process
  5. Experience with sensors, motors, or electromechanical systems
  6. Familiarity with Linux

The US hourly range for this internship position is between $35 - $45/hr.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

Apply