About the role
Job Summary
We are seeking a Purdue junior or senior to support the design and fabrication of hands-on engineering prototypes. The student will work on mechanical parts, enclosures, mounts, and iterative prototypes that integrate electronics, sensors, and other components.
What you will do
- Create and modify CAD models for prototype parts and enclosures.
- Prepare and run FDM 3D prints, then evaluate fit and function.
- Iterate designs based on testing, assembly, and user feedback.
- Help integrate electronics, sensors, wiring, and hardware into physical assemblies.
- Maintain organized design files and basic build documentation.
What we are looking for
- Junior or senior in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, or a related field.
- Experience with a CAD tool such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, or Onshape.
- Hands-on experience with FDM 3D printing and basic prototyping.
- Comfort working independently and solving practical design problems.
- Interest and eagerness to learn and work with a diverse team, including virtual work with collaborators in different industry sectors and time zones, building a hands-on kit for a variety of communities of learners.
Helpful, but not required
- Design for 3D printing, tolerances, fasteners, and assembly.
- Experience designing enclosures or mounts for electronics and sensors.
- Laser cutting, CNC, workshop tools, or other digital fabrication methods.
- Basic understanding of materials, cable management, or environmental protection for prototypes.