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Mechanical Engineering Intern

Company Overview


Mainspring Energy is revolutionizing power generation with the world’s most flexible and adaptable onsite power generator, the Mainspring Linear Generator. Commercial, industrial, and utility leaders are choosing Mainspring over traditional options like engines, turbines, and fuel cells to quickly and reliably deliver local power for EV charging, commercial facilities, data centers, and grid-scale operations. The Mainspring Linear Generator is fuel flexible, ramps up and down to meet demand, and utilizes a flameless technology with near-zero NOx emissions.


Backed by top-tier investors such as Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates, American Electric Power, and Lightrock, Mainspring designs, manufactures and delivers its products to customers across the U.S. today, and we’re quickly scaling for international expansion.


Inspired by our vision of the affordable, reliable, net-zero carbon grid, Mainspring is rapidly expanding within the $816B global electricity equipment market, and we’re hiring the best talent to meet growing customer demand around the globe. We welcome a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents to bring fresh perspectives and ongoing innovation to our customers.


We are looking to build relationships with people who share our values:


Pragmatic Optimism. Building a new category of world-class power generation requires the optimism of ambition and creativity, balanced with practicality to solve problems efficiently. The challenges that arise are opportunities for growth.


Excellence without Ego. We bring expertise and commitment to creating the best customer experience, from sales to deployment and service, just as we apply deep technical rigor to building and delivering world-class products. We strive for excellence and behave as leaders with the humility to acknowledge our challenges, both collectively and as individual contributors.


Proactive Collaboration. The integration and cross-disciplinary nature of Mainspring’s business requires intentionally seeking out others who bring different skills, perspectives, and priorities. Our culture of inclusion and respect extends beyond our team to interactions with our partners and customers.


More information can be found at www.mainspringenergy.com


Responsibilities
  • Contribute to developing and optimizing key mechanical components and subsystems to drive down cost, improve performance, and enhance system reliability
  • Gain hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and debugging in collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive product development improvements
  • Be involved in design and analysis for a range of systems, including mechanical components, electromechanical systems, or specific components such as bearings, enclosures, or structural elements, depending on your interests and expertise
  • Help with data collection, analysis, and conducting tests to validate system performance under different conditions
  • Support the engineering team in identifying and resolving technical challenges, helping ensure products meet required standards


Qualifications
  • College student in the last 2 years of a BS or  attending a MS program in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Previous internship experience in product design or a manufacturing environment is a plus
  • Experience with mechanical design, fabrication, testing, and debugging is beneficial
  • Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software and a basic understanding of mechanical drawings, dimensioning, and tolerance techniques
  • Knowledge of materials, fluid/thermal systems, and experience with FEA analysis is a plus
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with peers, managers, and external partners
  • Interest in working in a manufacturing environment and on full-size products is preferred


$27 - $35 an hour
This position is onsite at our Menlo Park HQ. The hourly wage will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee.

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don’t meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we’d still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.


In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.

Average salary estimate

$64400 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$56000K
$72800K

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What You Should Know About Mechanical Engineering Intern, Mainspring Energy

Are you ready to kickstart your career in mechanical engineering? Join Mainspring Energy as a Mechanical Engineering Intern in Menlo Park, CA! Here at Mainspring, we're on a mission to revolutionize power generation with our innovative Linear Generator technology. As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented engineers, contribute to the development of cutting-edge mechanical components, and gain hands-on experience in prototyping, testing, and debugging. This is a fantastic chance to delve into the exciting world of product development while making a positive impact on energy solutions. You'll not only enhance system reliability and performance but also help bring affordable, clean electricity to the forefront. We're looking for enthusiastic college students who are currently in the last two years of a BS or pursuing a MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering. If you have a passion for collaboration and a willingness to learn, Mainspring energy is the right place for you! No worries if you don’t meet every single requirement; we believe in building a diverse and inclusive team, so we encourage everyone to apply. With a competitive hourly wage, you'll be thoughtfully compensated while growing your skills in a supportive environment. Join us as we lead the future of clean energy, one innovative step at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Mechanical Engineering Intern Role at Mainspring Energy
What are the responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Mainspring Energy?

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Mainspring Energy, you will contribute to the optimization of mechanical components, engage in prototyping and testing, and support the engineering team in tackling technical challenges. You'll be involved in the design analysis of various systems, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development of our Linear Generator technology.

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What qualifications are required for the Mechanical Engineering Intern position at Mainspring Energy?

To qualify for the Mechanical Engineering Intern position at Mainspring Energy, candidates should be college students in the last two years of a BS program or enrolled in a MS program in fields like Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics. Previous internship experience and familiarity with CAD software like SolidWorks are advantageous, but Mainspring values diverse backgrounds, so all interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

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Does Mainspring Energy offer opportunities for growth and learning for Mechanical Engineering Interns?

Absolutely! Mainspring Energy is dedicated to fostering an environment of growth and development. As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you will gain hands-on experience and receive mentorship that will help you build your skills in mechanical design, testing, and problem-solving, thus preparing you for a successful career in engineering.

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What is the work culture like for Mechanical Engineering Interns at Mainspring Energy?

At Mainspring Energy, we embrace a culture of pragmatic optimism, excellence without ego, and proactive collaboration. Mechanical Engineering Interns can expect to be part of a supportive team that values diverse perspectives and encourages innovative thinking. Our collaborative work environment empowers you to learn and contribute, creating a rich internship experience.

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What is the pay structure for the Mechanical Engineering Intern position at Mainspring Energy?

Mainspring Energy offers an hourly wage range of $27 to $35 for the Mechanical Engineering Intern position, which may vary based on experience and local market conditions. The company values the skill development of its interns, providing opportunities for financial growth as you gain valuable experience in a thriving environment.

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Common Interview Questions for Mechanical Engineering Intern
Can you describe a project where you helped develop a mechanical component?

When answering this question, provide a specific example where you played a significant role in developing a mechanical component. Elaborate on your approach, the design challenges you faced, and how your contributions led to a successful outcome. Show your thought process and teamwork skills.

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How do you approach prototyping and testing in mechanical engineering?

In your response, highlight your systematic approach to prototyping and testing, including any specific methodologies or tools you use. Discuss the importance of iterating based on test feedback and collaborating with team members to enhance designs, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.

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What is your experience with using CAD software like SolidWorks?

Explain your familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks, discussing specific projects where you utilized it for design work. Share your understanding of creating 3D models and technical drawings, and how this experience contributes to your engineering capabilities.

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How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Illustrate your time management skills by detailing a strategy you use for prioritizing tasks. You could mention evaluating project deadlines, the complexity of tasks, and working collaboratively to ensure everyone is aligned, showcasing your organizational and communication skills.

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Describe a time you resolved a technical challenge during a project.

Use a specific example to illustrate how you effectively resolved a technical challenge. Discuss your problem-solving approach, the resources you utilized, and the ultimate resolution. This demonstrates your critical thinking and ability to overcome obstacles.

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What aspects of mechanical engineering are you most passionate about?

Reflect on specific areas of mechanical engineering that excite you, such as renewable energy systems, fluid dynamics, or materials science. Your response should reveal your interests and showcase how they align with Mainspring Energy's mission to create innovative energy solutions.

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What techniques do you use to ensure your designs meet required standards?

Discuss the standard processes and evaluation techniques you apply to ensure design compliance, such as conducting thorough analyses, using simulation software, or verifying with testing. Emphasize the importance of adhering to quality standards in engineering design.

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Have you worked in a collaborative environment before? How was the experience?

Share your experiences working in a collaborative setting. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively, seek feedback, and integrate ideas with team members. Discuss how this collaboration led to improved project outcomes and how it aligns with Mainspring's values.

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What do you understand about Mainspring Energy's products and innovative technology?

Demonstrate your knowledge of Mainspring Energy and its Linear Generator technology. Discuss its benefits in power generation and how it aligns with global energy trends. This reflects both your interest in the company and your understanding of the industry.

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Why do you want to intern with Mainspring Energy?

Articulate your motivation for applying to Mainspring Energy, tying in your passion for clean energy, your eagerness to learn, and how you aspire to contribute to innovative solutions in power generation. This will show your alignment with the company’s mission and values.

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Mainspring Energy is engineering advanced technology by developing a prototype of a linear generator that converts fuel to electricity. Mainspring was founded in 2010 by three Stanford engineers- Shannon Miller, Adam Simpson, and Matt Svrcek. T...

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Internship, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 17, 2025

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