Key Skills

Job Description

About the role At Airlift Systems, we’re developing a new generation of robots that perform surface treatments, such as cleaning, on surfaces that are hard to reach, costly to access or risky for people. Our technology combines innovative hardware with advanced autonomy software. We’re currently in stealth mode as we prepare for our first pilot deployments. Every application our robots perform needs the right tool, designed around the job, the surface and the people who operate it. We’re looking for an Industrial Design Engineering Intern to help us design those tools and the processes around them. What you’ll work on Map real-world processes. Analyse cleaning and surface-treatment operations step by step, from setup and execution to maintenance, and identify where robotic tooling adds the most value. Design application-specific tools. Develop concepts for interchangeable end effectors (the tools our robots use) tailored to different surfaces and tasks. Engineer within real limits. Design around weight, size, contact forces and mounting interfaces, working closely with our engineering team. Build and test prototypes. Turn concepts into CAD models and 3D-printed prototypes, test them, and improve them based on the results. Design for the operator. Make tools easy to attach, swap, clean and maintain in the field. Document and present. Turn your findings and designs into clear process maps, design reports and presentations. Who you are You’re a student in Industrial Design Engineering, or Product Design, and you enjoy both understanding a problem and building the solution. You’re confident with CAD and have hands-on experience with prototyping, ideally including 3D printing. You think in systems and processes, communicate clearly, and like working in a fast-moving, hands-on environment. You have professional proficiency in English; Dutch is a plus. An interest in robotics, automation, mechatronics or industrial services is a big plus. Why join us Your designs will be built, tested and used on real robotic systems heading toward their first commercial pilots. You’ll work closely with the founder and the engineering team and gain hands-on experience across product design, engineering and real-world testing in a deep-tech company at a defining stage.

Core Responsibilities

Analyze cleaning and surface-treatment processes, identify opportunities for robotic tooling, and design application-specific interchangeable end effectors within engineering constraints. Create CAD models and prototypes, test and refine designs, improve usability and maintenance for operators, and document and present findings.

Requirements

The candidate should be a student in Industrial Design Engineering or Product Design, confident with CAD, and experienced in hands-on prototyping, ideally including 3D printing. They should think in systems and processes, communicate clearly in professional English, and be interested in robotics, automation, mechatronics, or industrial services.