Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Laboratory of Computational Invention (LOCI) is led by PI Andrew Spielberg and was established at Carnegie Mellon University in the ECE Department in Fall 2025. Our mission is to develop methods that
enable people to design, build, and deploy complex systems directly from high-level specifications- especially when doing so manually would be difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. Research applications
span virtual systems (e.g., game environments), physical systems (e.g., structures), and cyber-physical systems (e.g., robots and assistive devices).
The Laboratory of Computational Invention (LOCI) is building systems that help novices and experts create virtual or physical objects that are difficult to design or fabricate by hand. We are seeking paid research
interns for Summer 2026 (~12-14 weeks). We're a full-stack, interdisciplinary group working across modeling, simulation, computational design, digital fabrication, human-centered tools, and robotics.
The internship will be in-person, in Pittsburgh. Project topics are flexible, but will be centered around the lab's themes, and focus on one of the following tracks:
Research tracks:
Simulation and systems for simulation: Physical simulation, computer graphics, numerical optimization, compilers, programming languages, and program synthesis
Manufacturing methods and applications: Mechanical design and digital fabrication (3D printing, textiles), mechanisms, materials, biohybrid systems
Rapid fabrication / process innovation: Developing new manufacturing processes and fabrication pipelines
Design for deployment (robotics): Contact-rich control, sim-to-real methods, manipulation
GenAI for design: Generative models (training big or small models), agentic systems for design and making
Design experiences: HCI and interactive systems, including video game development as a medium for design tools/experiences
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications
Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., science, engineering, mathematics). We also welcome applicants from design/architecture/business with a strong technical, computational, or making portfolio. Applicants with more advanced degrees are also welcome.
Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through independent, research, and/or course projects
Strong communication and organizational skills
If coming from a computing background: strong programming skills (e.g., Python/C++), ideally with experience in one or more of the areas in the tracks above
If coming from a making/engineering background: strong design and/or fabrication skills, ideally withexperience in relevant tools/processes in the tracks above
Candidates are encouraged to include links to relevant work (portfolio, GitHub, paper/preprint, demo video,etc.).
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
In your application, please include 1-2 sentences about something you built and what you learned from it
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) ,and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) **.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location**
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Non-CMU Students
Position Type
Intern (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Hourly
More Information:
Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)
Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.
If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn't just one of the world's most renowned educational institutions - it's also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you'll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you'll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues - and you'll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.
We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you'll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.
The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what's next. Apply now.
Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .
Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)
For technical assistance, email HR Services (hr-help@andrew.cmu.edu) or call 412-268-4600.
If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services (employeeaccess@andrew.cmu.edu) or call 412-268-3930.
Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)
