Rugged Robotics

Rugged Robotics is a construction company innovating new approaches to tough problems using automation. The company is currently hiring and has 11-50 employees. Rugged Robotics is currently hiring for three internship/co-op positions for the Summer of 2026, starting in May. All positions are on-site in Houston, TX. * **Mechanical Engineering Intern:** This role involves designing assemblies, selecting and integrating electro-mechanical components, and supporting the making and commissioning of robots. Responsibilities include designing rotary and linear motion actuators, enclosures and cable harnesses; using SOLIDWORKS; creating simulations, running tests and conducting analyses. Candidates should have experience with electro-mechanical or mechanical systems, be passionate about creating reliable products, and be comfortable with prototyping and debugging. * **Robotics Software Intern:** The software team is looking for a Robotics Software Intern to enhance the performance of existing products and help design solutions for the next generation of robotic systems. The intern will prototype and test software directly on hardware, write code to improve speed, precision, and reliability, generate prototypes, and collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and implement solutions. Experience with software and electromechanical systems is required, as well as knowledge of robotics and control principles. Candidates should be comfortable with development on hardware systems, including ROS, Python, and C++, and be comfortable with a fast-paced environment. * **Electrical Engineering Intern:** This role focuses on prototyping, designing, and manufacturing robotic solutions. The Electrical Engineering Intern will be creating power, communication, and control PCBAs and testing, debugging, and evaluating circuit performance. This position requires developing firmware, designing circuits using Altium, and making engineering decisions based on simulations and tests. The ideal candidate will have experience with electro-mechanical or electrical systems and be comfortable with prototyping and debugging electrical systems. The company uses a variety of technologies, including Mechanical Systems, Electro-Mechanical Components, Prototyping, Design, SOLIDWORKS, Engineering Analysis, Material Selection, Manufacturing Techniques, Collaboration, Testing, Simulation, Debugging, Assembly, Robotics, Automation, Problem Solving, Software Development, Robotics, Control, Kinematics, Sensor Fusion, Path Planning, Perception, Calibration Algorithms, Firmware Development, ROS, Python, C++, Coding Practices, Troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis, Circuit Design, Data Analysis, Communication, Hardware Development, and Project Management. All three internships are on-site in Houston, TX, in the East Downtown neighborhood. The roles require close collaboration with teammates. 1. **What is the internship/co-op term length?** The internships/co-ops are for three months, starting in May of 2026. 2. **Where are the positions located?** All positions are located in Houston, TX. 3. **What kind of experience is Rugged Robotics looking for?** Candidates should have experience working with either electro-mechanical or mechanical systems for the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Intern roles. The Robotics Software Intern needs experience with software and electromechanical systems. 4. **What software is used in the Mechanical Engineering Internship role?** The Mechanical Engineering Intern will utilize SOLIDWORKS. 5. **What software and languages are used in the Robotics Software Internship role?** The Robotics Software Intern will work with ROS, Python, and C++. 6. **What software is used in the Electrical Engineering Internship role?** The Electrical Engineering Intern will utilize Altium.