Internship Outdoor Mechanical Engineering Jobs in California

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 5 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2026) to support the development of structures and mechanical systems for our family of autonomous cargo aircraft. This role offers a rare opportunity to work hands-on on real flight hardware while collaborating closely with experienced aerospace founders and a small, highly capable engineering team.

As an intern at an early-stage company, you'll gain exposure across the full product lifecycle from early design and analysis through fabrication, integration, and test. You'll have direct access to leadership, meaningful ownership of scoped engineering work, and the chance to make tangible contributions to an aircraft program moving toward flight.

If you're excited about building real aerospace hardware, learning fast, and contributing to something ambitious, this internship is for you.

What You'll Do:

• Scope: Support the design and development of aircraft structures and mechanical systems, which may include airframe components, landing gear, flight controls, propulsion installations, payload systems, and other flight-critical hardware.
  Projects may include:
  • Developing Static and Dynamic Structural Test Fixtures
  • Developing Payload System Mock-Ups
  • Developing Fuel Tank and System Mock-Ups
  • Planning, Executing, and Reporting Fastened Joint Fatigue Tests
  • Planning, Executing, and Reporting Accelerated Corrosion Tests
  • Performing aerodynamic and structural trade studies
  • 3D Scanning of Components
  • Updating Material/Hardware Libraries in PDM
  • Developing Military/Civil Certification Requirement/Compliance Matrices
• Collaborate: Work closely with systems, aerodynamic, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to understand requirements, evaluate trade studies, and solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Design: Create CAD models, layouts, and simple assemblies for mechanical systems and structures, applying first-principles engineering and guidance from senior engineers.
• Build: Assist with sourcing parts and materials, and support fabrication, assembly, and integration of mechanical hardware.
• Test: Help prepare and execute ground and flight test activities, including test setup, instrumentation, data collection, and post-test documentation.
• Document & Communicate: Produce clear documentation such as CAD models, drawings, analysis summaries, test reports, and design review materials.
• Support: Support aircraft structures and mechanical systems through integration and testing, helping troubleshoot issues and iterate on designs.
• Improve: Contribute to the development of engineering documentation, best practices, and standard operating procedures as the company scales.

Key Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in core mechanical engineering fundamentals (e.g., statics and dynamics, mechanics of materials, basic thermodynamics, manufacturing technology).
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, 3DEXPERIENCE, or similar).
• Exposure to manufacturing processes, materials, or hands-on projects (coursework, clubs, internships, or personal projects).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to occasionally travel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, or testing locations as required.
• U.S. work authorization required.

Compensation: $20-$30/hr

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).