Mechanical Engineering Fall Co-Op

Halo 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 Spring 2027 Mechanical Engineering Co-op to play a pivotal role in developing our innovative hair braiding robotic system.

Responsibilities:

Contribute to the development of complex technology, product sub-assemblies, and test rigs

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 semester remaining in your undergraduate or graduate degree

Experience with CAD (we use Onshape, experience with Solidworks or equivalent is acceptable)

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

Strong experimental rigor and testing process

Experience with complex CAD models with clear top down design

Experience with consumer electronics, robotics, or hair styling tools

Interest in hair braiding/styling

Interest in robotics and mechanisms

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:

Company subsidized parking or commute for onsite employees

Onsite work

This is an onsite full time position at our office/lab in Cambridge, MA. You must have authorization to work in the US.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization.