Hardware Engineering Intern

Hardware Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 Internship 

About Parallel Systems 

Parallel Systems is building the future of freight transportation with autonomous, electric rail vehicles. Our technology reimagines how goods move across the country, combining cutting-edge robotics, vehicle engineering, and software to create a cleaner, more efficient rail network. 

Role Summary 

The Hardware Engineering Intern will drive progress toward initial production and production ramp-up of Mk3 vehicles. This is a hands-on role spanning design and analysis work, process development and improvement, field testing, troubleshooting, and failure analysis. You will own and deliver a production subsystem or process from concept through implementation. 

What You Will Work On 

Projects will be scoped based on team priorities during the internship, but may include: 

• Design and implementation of end-of-line testing for Mk3 pneumatic and brake systems 
• Design, analysis, and deployment of improved powertrain installation tooling 
• Design, procurement, and deployment of LV harness checkout test bench 
• Design, installation, and checkout of Mk3 drag-on instrumentation system 
• Design, commissioning, and implementation of gearbox onboard sensor suite 

What to Expect 

• Weeks 1-2: Onboarding, vehicle familiarization, facility visits, and pairing with an engineer on a small initial project 
• Weeks 3-6: First project assignment with requirements gathering, benchmarking, concept design review, and prototype development 
• Weeks 7-10: Final project assignment (new or continuation), full design cycle through implementation and field testing 
• Weeks 11-12: Final presentation of outcomes, documentation, recommended next steps, and handover to the team 

Progress will be tracked through weekly check-ins, design reviews, field testing with data review and presentation, and feedback from the broader engineering team. 

Basic Requirements 

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (rising junior, senior, or graduate student) 
• Self-motivated problem solver who takes personal ownership of challenges and drives them to completion 
• Comfortable applying first-principles thinking to find creative solutions beyond your usual scope 
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present design work and field test results 

Preferred Requirements

• Leadership experience on a hands-on engineering team that solves real-world problems while balancing competing priorities (e.g., FSAE, solar car, Design Build Fly, Baja SAE, or similar) 
• EE candidates: CAD proficiency to enable cross-functional contributions 
• ME candidates: Experience with electronics, coding, or PCBA design 
• Experience with design reviews, prototyping, and iterative hardware development cycles
   

Compensation: 

• The expected hourly rate for this role is $50/hr.