Hardware Engineering Intern

Type: Full-time Internship (Flexible hours & days based on availability, 40 hours/week) Compensation: $4,000 / month + daily lunch credit About Truffle We're building Truffle-1, a compact, efficient AI inference computer designed to run open-source models locally and portably. This is early-stage hardware development in a garage startup setting. The internship is hands-on, fast-paced, and high-impact. You'll work directly on prototyping, assembly, and iteration for a product that's pushing the boundaries of hardware. Role Overview As a Hardware Engineering Intern, you'll build and refine Truffle prototypes with your hands every day. A large part of the role is 3D printing: taking CAD, printing enclosure parts in-house on our resin (SLA) and FDM printers, post-processing them, and assembling them into working units. Expect a mix of printing, assembly, testing, and problem-solving. Key Responsibilities Run our in-house 3D printers (SLA resin and FDM): orient and support parts, slice, print, wash, cure, and post-process (support removal, sanding, finishing). Fit printed parts for assembly: drilling, threaded and press-fit inserts, and test-fitting against the hardware. Diagnose failed or out-of-tolerance prints and iterate on settings, orientation, and supports. Perform hand soldering of components, PCBs, and connectors. Assemble mechanical parts using screws, fasteners, and enclosures. Use power tools for fabrication, modification, and fitting of custom parts. Assist with wiring, cable management, and integration of electronics (power supplies, heatsinks, fans, USB-C, WiFi/BLE modules). Conduct basic functional testing, troubleshooting, and iteration on prototypes (e.g., thermal checks, power draw measurements, connectivity verification). Help organize and maintain the workspace, inventory components and print materials, and document build processes. Collaborate closely with the team on design feedback and rapid prototyping cycles. Requirements 3D printing experience (required): you've printed your own parts and can set up, run, and troubleshoot a printer on your own. A track record of hands-on building: personal builds, robotics, Formula SAE, makerspace work, or similar. Current student or recent grad in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. Comfortable using power tools safely in a workshop environment. Basic understanding of electronics/hardware (circuits, components, assembly best practices). Detail-oriented, reliable, and able to follow instructions while troubleshooting independently. Enthusiasm for hardware startups, AI compute, and building things from the ground up. Commitment to safety: Strict adherence to safe practices when handling tools, electronics, power supplies, resin and solvents (IPA), and prototypes; proactive about identifying and mitigating risks in the workspace. Nice-to-Haves SLA / resin printing experience - a major plus. Orienting and supporting large parts, wash and cure, post-processing, and holding dimensional tolerances. Hands-on experience with soldering (we'll provide guidance if needed). CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred), especially designing parts for printing. PCB assembly experience. Familiarity with embedded systems, NVIDIA Jetson, or AI hardware. What We Offer Real ownership: You'll ship actual hardware components for a product people are excited about. Monthly stipend + daily lunch credit ($30 / day worked). Potential for full-time role based on fit and contributions. Garage startup perks: snacks, tools, printers, and the thrill of early-stage building. *NOTE: Looking to fill this position immediately. Flexible schedule around classes. #J-18808-Ljbffr Deepshard, Inc.