Mechanical Engineer Intern - Swarm Systems

Position Summary

Apium Swarm Robotics (ASR) is revolutionizing swarm autonomy software for air, surface, undersea, and ground vehicles operating across dual-use commercial and defense environments. Our systems are deployed on real platforms, tested in the field, and delivered to customers operating in complex, uncertain, and safety-critical conditions.

We do not build research prototypes or slideware. Our software is integrated into real vehicles, tested in the field, and delivered to customers who depend on operational reliability, speed of execution, and mission relevance. We prioritize performance over hype.

ASR systems represent the next phase in autonomy: collaborative swarming. These are not like pre-programmed drones for light shows. We are creating real-time cooperative management that lets one operator control dozens to hundreds of vehicles in real-time with the ease of controlling a single vehicle. As such, this role requires comfort with responsibility, ambiguity, and operational accountability.

ASR seeks a mechanical engineering intern to join our hardware development team. You will get hands-on experience designing parts in SolidWorks, prototyping with our in-house 3D printers, and seeing your work fly on real drone swarms during field tests.

The internship is a mix of structured projects and ad-hoc support tasks alongside senior engineers, working on ruggedized enclosures, drone attachments, and packaging for the swarm system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and revise CAD models in SolidWorks for enclosures, brackets, and drone attachments
• Operate FDM 3D printers and prepare prototype parts for fit checks and bench testing
• Support senior engineers with hands-on builds, drawings, BOMs, and basic test work

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering degree program (B.S. or M.S. in progress)
• Demonstrated proficiency in SolidWorks through coursework, personal projects, or prior experience

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with FDM and/or resin 3D printing including material selection
• Hands-on shop or fabrication experience (CNC machining, laser cutting, hand tools, or similar) through coursework, personal projects, or jobs
• Familiarity with common 3D printing materials such as PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, or Nylon
• Experience building, flying, or modifying UAVs (FPV, custom builds, or UAS competition platforms welcome)
• Coursework or hobby projects involving robotics mechanisms (servos, motors, linkages, basic motion systems)
• Awareness of industrial design considerations including IP ratings, vibration, thermal, and impact
• Basic understanding of LiPo or lithium-ion battery systems and safe handling practices
• Coursework in GD&T, FEA, or basic CFD
• Basic electronics knowledge sufficient to identify connectors, route wires, and read simple schematics
• Experience leading or contributing to team-based engineering design projects, especially under budget or schedule constraints
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including the ability to consolidate and present engineering work clearly
• Proficiency with MATLAB or similar engineering computation tools
• Demonstrated leadership or team-coordination experience (project leadership, club organizations, athletics, or similar)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.
• Requirement to travel up to 25% of the time, based on customer integration needs and operational requirements.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.