Summer Intern - Mechanical Engineer & IP

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar.  To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform.  We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world.  If all of this piques your interest, we’d love to hear from you!

Job description

This position sits within the Engineering and Field Product team and carries two complementary focuses:

•  Product Development – The intern will work within a product development team responsible for designing innovative solutions from concept generation to field deployment, revolutionizing the means and methods of solar power plant construction. The intern will identify, design, and prototype parts and subsystems, owning and self-governing aspects of the product development cycle including brainstorming sessions, concept feasibility and down-selection, prototyping/testing, and design reviews under guidance from senior staff.
• IP Development Support – A significant portion of this role will directly support Terabase’s intellectual property pipeline. The team is targeting 7–10 patent applications for the Atlas project in the near term, plus an existing backlog of Invention Disclosures across TeraFab, PileBot, Construct, and IoT products. The intern will take ownership of 3D modelling for inventions and their embodiments, enabling faster patent application processing in collaboration with our patent attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Develop and iterate 3D models of inventions and their various embodiments to support patent application development with external patent counsel.
• Assist in the technical review and proofreading of patent applications for accuracy and clarity.
• Innovate solutions for improving solar utility power plant installation efficiency.
• Iterate designs quickly to find the optimal product configuration.
• Perform analysis and validation of mechanical designs, leveraging both hands-on problem solving and sound engineering practices.
• Perform hand calculations such as free body diagrams and basic load calculations to determine component interactions and sizing.
• Participate in all phases of the product development process: concept feasibility studies, prototyping, field testing, production drawings, and bill of materials.
• Contribute to team members’ projects through collaborative brainstorming sessions and design reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enthusiasm about being part of the green energy transformation, building a path for a sustainable energy future
• CAD proficiency 3-CAD modelling, SolidWorks preferred
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Self-motivating work ethic with a drive to learn
• Able to work remotely as part of a distributed team with the ability to physically be present in Davis/Woodland CA area as required to participate in prototype building and testing

Preferred Qualifications

• Junior or senior in college level engineering program
• Experience with robotics and automation
• Hands-on experience with automobiles and/or powersports equipment
• Hand-on experience with standard hand tools and machine shop tools or DYI projects or house projects.
• Knowledgeable of different manufacturing methods such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and injection molding

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each posted range individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher) dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The expected hourly range for this role is $25-30/hour.

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.