Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) Intern (Summer) (Electric Propulsion)

Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA

Company

hirify.global develops Seagliders, wing-in-ground-effect electric vehicles designed for fast, sustainable coastal transportation, and is scaling the Squire and Viceroy platforms toward production.

What you will do

• Own a defined scope of Electric Propulsion Unit work across the Squire and Viceroy platforms.
• Analyze motor and drive data to characterize torque, speed, losses, efficiency, and operating-condition performance.
• Create and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness documentation.
• Produce 3D CAD models and mechanical drawings with basic GD&T to support propulsion integration.
• Support component-level and on-water propulsion testing, including EPU layout and power-distribution work.
• Process test data with Python, MATLAB, or Excel; build performance and efficiency models and relate propeller or thruster performance to electrical input power.

Requirements

• Rising senior or graduate student in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or robotics engineering.
• Working knowledge of electric machines, including BLDC/PMSM torque and speed constants, back-EMF, losses, efficiency maps, motor controllers, ESCs, and basic power electronics.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for test-data processing and performance modeling, plus strong Excel skills.
• Understanding of propeller or thruster performance, including thrust, torque, advance ratio, and efficiency, and its relationship to electrical input power.
• Proficiency in a 3D CAD tool, mechanical drawing, and basic GD&T.
• Ability to read and create schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness documentation.
• Effective communication and collaboration with engineers, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to solve complex installation, electrical debugging, integration, and test problems in a fast-changing environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities and an emphasis on practical problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation.
• Housing stipend available for those temporarily moving to join the team.
• Daily free catered lunches.
• Learning and professional development opportunities, mentorship, and guidance from experienced team members.
• Meaningful projects contributing to production Seaglider propulsion systems.