Mechanical Engineering Intern, Robotics (Fall 2025+)

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Neuralink, your responsibilities include designing and producing hardware solutions for brain-machine interface devices, focusing on surgical robotics and automation. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to define design criteria and quickly build compliant systems, owning projects from their initial concepts all the way to production. This is a unique chance to apply your mechanical engineering skills in a fast-paced and innovative environment.

To qualify for the Mechanical Engineering Internship at Neuralink, you need at least 6 months of practical experience applying your technical skills outside of the classroom. A strong understanding of engineering principles is essential, and it's preferable to have at least a year of mechanical engineering industry experience. Familiarity with CAD programs like SolidWorks, and experience with machining and prototyping technologies will help you stand out in this highly competitive field.

The anticipated hourly rate for the Mechanical Engineering Intern position at Neuralink is $35 per hour. This competitive pay reflects the exciting and challenging nature of the role, as well as your potential contribution to a revolutionary team that’s working on the forefront of technology to enhance human capabilities.

During your internship at Neuralink, you will gain valuable skills in designing and developing hardware systems specifically for brain-machine interfaces. You’ll enhance your knowledge in CAD software, machining, and rapid prototyping, while working closely with experts from various disciplines. This hands-on experience will not only strengthen your engineering skills but also prepare you for future opportunities in innovative and impactful sectors.

Neuralink is looking for interns who can start their journey in Fall 2025 or later. This internship will typically require a commitment starting in September, giving you the opportunity to engage with ongoing projects that are critical to advancing our understanding and applications of robotics in surgery. The internship duration aligns with your availability and the company’s project timelines.

When answering this question, think of a project where you implemented design or manufacturing processes. Be specific about the methods you employed, the challenges you faced, and how your engineering knowledge brought solutions. Focus on how this experience prepares you for the innovative environment at Neuralink.

Explain your problem-solving strategy step by step. Start with defining the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, and evaluating different approaches. Emphasize the importance of collaboration, especially in a multidisciplinary team like the one at Neuralink, where input from various expertise is vital.

Discuss your experience with specific CAD tools, highlighting projects you worked on and the functionalities you utilized. If you are proficient in SolidWorks, for instance, explain how it helped in visualizing your designs and streamlining the prototyping process.

Talk about your experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) practices. Discuss how you consider material selection, production methods, and cost implications during the design process to ensure that your solutions are easy to produce while remaining economically viable.

Provide an example that showcases your teamwork skills. Discuss how you communicated with peers from different backgrounds, how you contributed, and what you learned from the cross-disciplinary collaboration, which is highly relevant for a position at Neuralink.

Mention any advanced imaging techniques you've used and describe how these were applied in your engineering projects. If you haven't used any directly, express your willingness to learn and adapt by researching or seeking mentorship in these areas when working at Neuralink.

Outline your approach to task management. Talk about how you assess deadlines and importance, potentially using tools or methods like task lists or project management software to keep track of deliverables while ensuring quality and adherence to project timelines.

Choose a failure that taught you a valuable lesson. Discuss how you approached the setback, what strategies you implemented to find a solution, and any changes you made in future projects as a result of that experience.

Share your enthusiasm for Neuralink's mission and how it aligns with your career goals. Discuss specific values or projects of Neuralink that resonate with you and how you envision contributing to the company's innovative work in bridging human abilities with advanced technology.

Talking about your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention specific journals, webinars, online courses, or conferences you follow to stay updated on new developments in mechanical engineering, particularly those relevant to robotics and medical applications.