Hardware Test Engineering Intern - 2025 Summer Intern

As a Hardware Test Engineering Intern at Shield AI, you will assist with building and maintaining test stands that encompass electrical and mechanical components. Your tasks will include designing safety systems, crafting simple PCBs, and troubleshooting production issues to ensure seamless operation of the test stands. Additionally, contributing to cross-functional design reviews will allow you to advocate for improvements in testing processes.

To be eligible for the Hardware Test Engineering Intern position at Shield AI, candidates should be undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students expected to graduate in December 2025 or Spring 2026. A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field is essential, alongside demonstrated hands-on technical experience, understanding of engineering concepts, and a record of teamwork and project ownership.

The Hardware Test Engineering Internship at Shield AI lasts for 10 weeks, with two potential start dates: June 2nd or June 23rd. The pay is competitive, ranging from $35 to $50 an hour depending on the academic level of the intern, with housing stipends available for qualifying candidates.

Interns at Shield AI will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills, including proficiency in PCB design using tools like Altium or KiCAD, working with CAD software such as SolidWorks, and improving their understanding of multidisciplinary engineering processes. The supportive environment fosters innovation and adaptability, preparing interns for dynamic project demands.

Yes! Shield AI encourages outstanding interns to consider transitioning to full-time positions post-internship. Interns who demonstrate exceptional results and fit well within the company culture may receive job offers based on their performance and contributions during their 10-week internship experience.

When answering this question, detail your hands-on experience with PCB design tools, mentioning specific projects where you've applied these skills. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, linking this experience back to the tasks expected in the intern role, such as designing and implementing PCBs.

Discuss the critical safety protocols that must be taken into account when designing test stands, such as electrical safety measures, mechanical stability, and proper usage of safety systems. Emphasize your engineering knowledge and any relevant experiences where you've applied these notions.

Provide specific examples of past projects where you took initiative and responsibility for outcomes. Explain how you managed tasks, tracked progress, and collaborated with team members, making it clear how these experiences will translate to the responsibilities of a Hardware Test Engineering Intern.

Reflect on potential challenges related to maintaining test stands or troubleshooting technical issues. Discuss your problem-solving approach and readiness to seek guidance or collaborate with team members, demonstrating your adaptability and willingness to learn.

Emphasize the value of collaboration in engineering projects by discussing how different perspectives and skills contribute to successful outcomes. Share an example of a past team experience that showcases your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

Talk about the methods you use to stay informed—such as reading relevant journals, following industry leaders on social media, or participating in engineering forums. This response can show your commitment to continuous learning and development in the field.

Choose a situation where you encountered a significant technical challenge, detailing the problem, your approach to finding a solution, and the result. This will illustrate your analytical thinking and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that are crucial for the role.

List relevant engineering tools and software you have experience with—such as Altium for PCB design or SolidWorks for mechanical design. Explain how you've utilized these tools in past projects and how they are applicable to the responsibilities of a Hardware Test Engineering Intern.

Discuss your time management techniques and how you assess the urgency and importance of each task. Providing specific examples of how you successfully juggled multiple projects in the past will strengthen your answer.

Express your enthusiasm for Shield AI's mission and innovative projects, explaining how this internship aligns with your personal and professional goals. Mention specific aspects of the company or technology that resonate with you, showcasing your genuine interest in contributing.