Mechanical Engineering Intern

Location: Cambridge, MA
Duration: Summer 2026 (10–12 weeks)

About OrthoIQ

OrthoIQ is an MIT-founded medical technology startup developing intelligent surgical tools for orthopedic procedures. Our systems provide real-time sensing and feedback to surgeons, helping improve implant fixation, reduce complications, and improve surgical outcomes.

We are building a new class of smart orthopedic instrumentation, combining mechanical systems, sensing, and data to bring intelligence into the operating room.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to help design and prototype surgical instrumentation.

You will work on the mechanical systems behind our smart orthopedic tools, including structural components, mechanisms, and integration with sensing systems. Interns will be responsible for independently driving prototype designs and testing them in close collaboration with our engineering team.

Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical components and assemblies for surgical tools

  • Develop CAD models and detailed engineering drawings

  • Prototype and iterate on mechanisms and structural components

  • Build testing jigs and collect data validating robustness

  • Performing fault analysis and reliability assessments

  • Conducting component selection and mechanical architecture refinement

  • Evaluate manufacturability and design for prototyping or production

  • Document design iterations and test results

Desired Qualifications

  • Pursuing or earned a BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, robotics, or related discipline

  • Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Fusion, or similar)

  • Experience with prototyping, machining, and design for manufacturing

  • Coursework or experience in dynamics, vibrations, or impact mechanics/calculations

  • Experience building test jigs and analyzing data 

  • Comfortable working independently in a startup environment

What You'll Gain

  • Experience designing surgical instruments and medical devices

  • Exposure to early-stage product development

  • Hands-on prototyping and testing

  • Direct impact on a product aimed at improving surgical outcomes

Application:

Please submit your resume to audrey@orthoiqinc.com. A portfolio (doesn’t have to be polished, can even be a slide deck!) is recommended, but not required.

Potential projects you’ll work on!

Make our autoimpactor (automatic hammer) more robust and reliable! This will require knowledge of tolerancing, energy transmission, component sourcing, and CAD.

Build jigs, conduct experiments, and refine the design of our AccuCut so that it withstands oscillations from a bone saw.

Design a precision measurement system entirely from scratch for implant alignment in total hip replacements. This doesn’t exist yet, so we’re using a placeholder picture!