At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype mechanical parts for innovative robotics projects.
- Company: Exciting startup focused on lab automation and robotics.
- Benefits: Earn £450 per week, gain hands-on experience, and receive mentorship.
- Other info: Flexible hours, remote options, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in robotics while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Strong A-levels in Maths and Physics; CAD and prototyping experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Help build and test early prototypes for CellMinder, a compact robotics platform for automating biological assays and lab workflows.
About the role
This internship is suited to a post-A-level or early undergraduate student intending to study, or already studying, mechanical engineering, product design, mechatronics, robotics or a related subject. You will work alongside scientists and engineers to integrate your designs into a compact robotic laboratory system.
What you will do
- Design and prototype mechanical parts using CAD and 3D printing.
- Help specify parts for external manufacture as necessary, such as turned or machined metal components.
- Learn to use engineering analysis tools such as FEA and simulation software to prove designs before manufacture.
- Support bench testing, design iteration, and documentation of engineering decisions.
- Integrate your designs with electronics, PCBs, sensors and software-controlled test rigs.
- Work with science, electronics and software colleagues to turn workflow requirements into physical product constraints.
- Explore manufacturable product details that make a compact lab system easier to build, service, and use.
- Document designs, parts, suppliers and build/test processes in ERPNext.
What we are looking for
- Strong A-level background in relevant subjects; Maths and Physics essential, Product Design or Engineering desirable, Chemistry or Biology a bonus.
- Intent to study mechanical engineering, product design, mechatronics, robotics, or a related area to degree level or beyond.
- Practical CAD, prototyping, workshop, or build experience.
- A careful approach to tolerance, reliability, usability, and design for assembly.
- Curiosity about robotics, lab automation, and products that need to work reliably in the real world.
Skills you will gain
During this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, prototyping, and integration with electronics and software systems. We will support you in developing these skills and provide mentorship to help you grow as an engineer. You will also gain insight into the product development process in a startup environment, from concept to prototype to testing.
Location: South Cambridgeshire / Cambridge area.
Duration: 4–8 weeks over summer.
Pay: £450 per week, based on a 37.5-hour week.
Hours: Full-time or part-time by agreement, either on site or remote, as necessary.
Supervisor: Dr Stephen Starkie, Chartered Engineer.
Eligibility: You must have the right to work in the UK.
Summer Intern - Mechanical / Product Engineering employer: CQuence Robotics
Join a dynamic and innovative team in the South Cambridgeshire/Cambridge area, where you'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics projects that automate biological assays and lab workflows. As a Summer Intern in Mechanical/Product Engineering, you'll benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced engineers, and a collaborative work culture that encourages curiosity and creativity. With competitive pay and flexible working arrangements, this internship is an excellent stepping stone for your future career in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Intern - Mechanical / Product Engineering
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Before even applying, check out local competitions or engineering fairs. Joining clubs or societies at your university can also help you work on real projects, which is something employers love to see in your application.
✨Tap into University Networks
Don’t forget to leverage your university’s career services! Get in touch with your professors or look for mentorship programmes. They often have connections in the mechanical engineering industry and can guide you towards summer internships.
✨Join Engineering Communities
Get involved in online forums or local meetups specific to mechanical engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn and professional bodies often have groups that can help you connect with industry professionals and learn about internship opportunities.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss your projects. Do your research on companies like CQuence Robotics and come with a few questions about their work. Show them you're not just interested in any internship, but specifically in what they do!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Intern - Mechanical / Product Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:For the mechanical engineering internship at CQuence Robotics, we want to see how you’ve applied those engineering skills in real-world projects. Include details about any relevant projects from your studies or personal projects that demonstrate your technical abilities and hands-on experience. This can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:When crafting your CV, emphasise your engineering coursework, relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools), and any certifications related to mechanical engineering. List these clearly, as they show us your foundation in the field and ability to engage with specific engineering tasks.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying to CQuence Robotics. Highlight what you hope to learn during this internship and how it aligns with your career goals. We’re keen to see your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering and how you see this opportunity fitting into your journey!
Highlight Team Projects:Collaboration is key in mechanical engineering, so be sure to mention any team projects you’ve worked on. Give us insights into your role, how you contributed, and what you learned from working with others. This shows that you not only have the technical know-how but can also thrive in a team setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at CQuence Robotics
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along your portfolio or project reports that showcase any engineering projects you've worked on. Whether it's coursework, a hobby project, or something from a university club, having tangible examples will impress your interviewers at CQuence Robotics and show them your hands-on experience.
✨Get Technical with Your Knowledge
Brush up on core mechanical engineering principles, particularly those relevant to the projects or products at CQuence Robotics. Be prepared to discuss concepts like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or materials science, and don’t be surprised if they throw you some technical questions during the interview!
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, they're looking for motivation and the potential to grow. Be ready to talk about how you're excited to learn new skills and contribute to the team at CQuence Robotics. Mentioning how you stay updated with the latest in mechanical engineering through courses or workshops can really help show your enthusiasm.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Software Tools
Many mechanical engineering roles involve using design software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. If you have experience with these tools, be clear about it. If not, make sure to mention any relevant software you're comfortable with and demonstrate a readiness to pick up new programmes quickly.
