Internship  |  Hardware Engineering  |  Chicago, Illinois

About Phase3D

Phase3D is a deep-tech startup building Fringe Inspection, a real-time, in-situ inspection system for metal additive manufacturing. Our technology helps manufacturers understand what is happening inside the printing process, improve quality, and accelerate the qualification of critical parts.

 

Our systems are used in demanding aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing environments. We are expanding our engineering team as we develop the next generation of production-ready Fringe Inspection hardware.

 

Role Overview

We are looking for a Mechanical Systems Engineering Intern to join our hardware engineering team. You will work alongside experienced engineers on the design, assembly, testing, and documentation of mechanical systems used in our industrial inspection products.

 

This is a hands-on internship for someone who enjoys turning ideas into physical hardware. You will gain practical experience across the product development lifecycle, including CAD design, prototyping, system integration, product testing, compliance documentation, and supply chain coordination.

 

What You Will Work On

Mechanical Design and CAD

•       Create and update 3D models of mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar CAD software

•       Assist with engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and basic GD&T

•       Support the design of enclosures, brackets, mounts, fixtures, and other components used in Fringe Inspection systems

•       Update CAD files, revision records, and product documentation

•       Apply design for manufacturing and assembly principles with guidance from the engineering team

 

Prototyping and Testing

•       Assemble and test mechanical prototypes and production hardware

•       Use 3D printing, machining, sheet metal, and off-the-shelf components to build and refine designs

•       Help develop test setups and fixtures for mechanical and system-level testing

•       Record test results, document findings, and recommend design improvements

•       Troubleshoot fit, alignment, tolerance, and assembly issues

 

Hardware Integration

•       Support the integration of cameras, structured-light systems, optical components, sensors, and electronics into mechanical assemblies

•       Work with software, electronics, and applications engineers to confirm physical interfaces and system requirements

•       Assist with the installation and validation of hardware in laboratory and industrial environments

 

Product Compliance and Documentation

•       Help organize technical files, drawings, component records, and test documentation for CE and UL compliance efforts

•       Assist engineers in preparing equipment and documentation for third-party testing

•       Research component specifications and applicable product requirements

•       Help maintain accurate design and compliance records as products evolve

 

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Support

•       Create and maintain Bills of Materials for hardware assemblies

•       Research components and potential suppliers

•       Request and organize supplier quotes, specifications, lead times, and availability

•       Assist with incoming-part inspection and the evaluation of fabricated components

•       Work with engineering and operations to resolve component and assembly issues

 

 

What We Are Looking For

•       Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechatronics, or a related field

•       Experience with 3D CAD through coursework, student projects, internships, or personal projects

•       Interest in building, assembling, and testing physical hardware

•       Familiarity with engineering drawings and mechanical design fundamentals

•       Strong attention to detail and an organized approach to documentation

•       Ability to communicate clearly and work with people across different engineering disciplines

•       Willingness to learn, ask questions, and take ownership of assigned work

 

 

Helpful Experience

•       SolidWorks or a similar parametric CAD platform

•       3D printing, machining, sheet metal, or other fabrication methods

•       GD&T, tolerance analysis, or design for manufacturing

•       Optical systems, cameras, sensors, robotics, or precision equipment

•       Additive manufacturing or industrial inspection systems

•       Bills of Materials, component sourcing, or supplier coordination

•       Student engineering teams, research laboratories, makerspaces, or hands-on technical projects

 

 

What You Will Gain

•       Direct experience developing hardware used in advanced manufacturing environments

•       Mentorship from engineers working across mechanical design, optics, electronics, software, and manufacturing

•       Exposure to the complete hardware development process, from early concepts through testing and production

•       Opportunities to build parts, test systems, and see your work incorporated into real products

•       Experience working in a collaborative, fast-moving startup environment

 

 

Your First 90 Days

The intern will build toward increasingly independent contributions with regular guidance and design review from the engineering team.

Days 1 to 30 Learn the Product and Tools

•       Complete onboarding for lab safety, equipment use, and the product development workflow

•       Learn the Fringe Inspection hardware architecture, mechanical assemblies, CAD library, Bills of Materials, and revision practices

•       Shadow prototype assembly and testing, and observe the integration of optics, sensors, and electronics

•       Complete a small CAD update, drawing revision, or fixture task with guidance from an engineer

 

Days 31 to 60 Contribute to Active Hardware Work

•       Take ownership of a clearly scoped component or fixture task from requirements through design review

•       Build and test a prototype using 3D printing, machining, sheet metal, or off-the-shelf components

•       Update BOM and sourcing information, and assist with supplier questions or incoming-part inspection

•       Support design validation or compliance testing and summarize the results clearly

 

Days 61 to 90 Deliver and Improve

•       Incorporate review feedback and complete the CAD, drawing, BOM, and test documentation for the assigned project

•       Support integration into a prototype or production-intent system and troubleshoot fit, alignment, and assembly issues

•       Present project results, design decisions, test evidence, and recommended next steps to the engineering team

•       Identify and document one improvement to the CAD, testing, assembly, or hardware documentation workflow

 

 

To apply: please email jobs@phase-3d.com

 

Phase3D is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.