Design Engineer Intern (Summer 2026)

Halobraid

Halobraid

Design

Bristol, UK

Posted on Apr 24, 2026

Location

Bristol, UK

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Engineering

HaloBraid is a hair technology company using breakthrough engineering to elevate everyday routines. We’re building the world’s first robotic hair-braiding system—integrating computer vision, robotics, compliant fiber manipulation, and novel mechatronic machines. This is one of the hardest unsolved problems in robotics, applied to a $300B industry.

8 billion hours are spent braiding hair each year. HaloBraid gives that time back. The system collaborates with professional stylists to reduce braiding appointments from 6 hours to minutes and grow their business. We’re moving from R&D into deployment with salons, well-funded by leading investors. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the hair styling industry.

We are looking for a Summer 2026 Design Engineer Intern to play a pivotal role in developing our innovative hair braiding robotic system.

Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the development of complex technology and product sub-assemblies

  • Take an active, hands-on role to ensure that engineering problems are resolved thoroughly

  • Utilize various rapid prototyping technologies to build, test, and iterate

  • Use hand calculations, computer simulation, and/or lab-based testing to validate designs through the development process

  • Conduct user testing and project the voice of the customer back into the design

  • Conduct various forms of testing, problem solving, and design iteration

Requirements:

  • At least one year remaining in your undergraduate or graduate degree

  • Experience with CAD (Onshape preferred)

  • Experience with various rapid prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC, etc)

  • Demonstrated design intelligence, mechanical intuition, creative problem solving, and strong attention to detail

  • A willingness to fail and learn!

Desired Skills & Experience (optional but the more, the better)

  • Gone through (and documented!) the design process for a project, through school or on your own time

  • Strong documentation skills and the ability to convey complex ideas in a team setting

  • Experience with Onshape

  • Experience with consumer electronics, robotics, or hair styling tools

  • Interest in hair braiding/styling

  • Complementary engineering experience:

    • Mechanisms, mechatronics, and moving components.

    • Experience with design optimization using FEA/CFD simulation

    • Electronics prototyping and soldering

Working Style

  • User centric, you want to build stuff people use and love

  • Low ego, adaptable, and collaborative spirit

  • Willing to learn through fast-paced iteration and feedback

  • Passionate, driven by innovation

Benefits of Working with Us:

  • You’ll be immersed in a live R&D startup giving you the ability to put theory into practice.

  • You’ll be entitled to 7 days paid holiday during a 3 month placement, and competitive salary above the national living wage.

  • As many healthy snacks, tea and coffee as you like.

Onsite work

This is an onsite full time position at our office/lab in Bristol, UK.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align with every single part of the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.