Our Mission
At Laelaps AI, we believe robotics is entering a transformative decade, much like the arrival of the internet. Advances in AI, cloud computing, and hardware are reshaping what autonomous systems can do. Our mission is to build the intelligent software that powers physical security in the real world - enabling robots and sensors to handle dangerous and critical tasks that humans shouldn't have to. By engineering the orchestration layer for intelligent security, we aim to create a world that is safer, more secure, and more resilient.
We're a strong founding team based in Zurich, backed by visionary investors and advisors. We are engineering the future of security today!
The Role
As a Hardware Intern, you'll contribute to the mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems of our autonomous security platforms across ground, aerial, and stationary form factors. You'll get hands-on experience taking robotics hardware from concept to fielded systems, working alongside the Hardware Lead and the broader engineering team.
This role is highly practical: you'll help with CAD work, electronics integration, sensor mounting, ruggedization, and bring-up. You'll learn how robotics hardware actually gets built and what it takes for it to survive in the real world.
What You'll Work On
Mechanical design and CAD work for chassis, mounting systems, and enclosures.Electronics integration: wiring, power distribution, sensor harnessing.Sensor mounting and calibration: cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS.Ruggedization: environmental sealing, vibration testing, durability checks.Bring-up and field testing of new platforms.Documentation: BOMs, schematics, assembly procedures.Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a motivated mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics student excited to apply academic training in a fast-moving startup. You'll be surrounded by a team that values learning, experimentation, and building things that actually work in the real world.
Your Background:
Currently pursuing PhD or recently completed a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.Experience with 3D printing, CNC, or other rapid prototyping techniques.Hands-on experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).Familiarity with basic electronics: schematics, power distribution, sensor interfaces.Comfortable in a hands-on lab environment with tools, soldering, and prototyping equipment.Strong problem-solving mindset.Nice to Have:
Background in robotics hardware or mobile platform development.Familiarity with environmental qualification (IP ratings, vibration, thermal).Personal projects involving robots, drones, or other physical builds.What We Offer
Mission: Build the foundation models that decide how robots see, reason, and act in the real world. Research with deployment, not papers without impact.Autonomy: Real independence on what to train, how to evaluate, and how to ship.Compute: Access to the compute and field data you need to do serious work.Team: Work alongside PhD-level co-founders in AI, Robotics, and Physics, plus a strong founding engineering team.Location: In-person in Zürich, Switzerland.Culture: Small, international founding team that's serious about building, but doesn't take itself too seriously. Curiosity and quirks welcome.
