Hardware Engineering Intern

Location: Los Angeles, CA

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.
• Flexible schedule around classes.
• 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.