About Us
Upside Robotics is on a mission to make farming more sustainable and efficient using "physical AI." We build autonomous, solar-powered robots that navigate cornfields to apply fertilizer with surgical precision—think of them as "Roombas for cornfields."
By delivering nutrients directly to the root exactly when the plant needs them, we help farmers reduce fertilizer waste by up to 70%, cut costs by $150 per acre, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a $7.5M Seed round recently closed and a waitlist of over 200 farms, we are moving from "prototype" to "production." We are an "agronomy-first" company that uses robotics as a tool to solve one of the world's biggest environmental and economic challenges.
What We're Looking For
Upside Robotics is hiring a Roboticist Co-Op to join our hardware team and help design the mechatronic systems at the heart of our agricultural robots. This role is perfect for a student who wants to take a design from CAD to the cornfield and watch it perform in the real world. This role combines mechanical and electromechanical design work at our Kitchener facility with hands-on prototyping and field validation. We're looking for someone who's technically minded, curious, adaptable, and ready to grow in an environment where your ideas and work have real impact. Help us build the future of farming—one robot at a time.
Key Responsibilities
Mechatronics & Hardware Design:Design mechanical and electromechanical components and subsystems for our robots using CAD.Develop and prototype mechanisms, mounts, actuation systems, and enclosures for harsh outdoor environments.Select components (motors, actuators, sensors, fasteners) and produce engineering drawings for manufacturing.Prototyping & Testing:Build, bench-test, and iterate on prototypes to validate designs before field deployment.Support field testing and diagnose mechanical and electromechanical issues in real cornfield conditions.Design and fabricate production and validation jigs for sub-assembliesDocument designs, test results, and design changes clearly.Electromechanical assemblyAssist with assembly of electromechanical sub-modules for production of Maize Runner product lineContinuous Improvement:Collaborate with the production and software teams to improve manufacturability, reliability, and maintainability.Help identify design changes that increase robot uptime and reduce field failures.Requirements
Experience: Hands-on design or build experience through coursework, personal projects, or previous roles (robotics teams, FSAE, capstone projects, etc.).Technical Skills: Proficient with CAD software (Onshape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) and comfortable with rapid prototyping tools.Fundamentals: Solid grasp of mechanical design principles, tolerancing, and basic electromechanical concepts.Attention to Detail: Able to produce and interpret engineering drawings accurately.Preferred Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Degree or Diploma in Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. Be in term 2A or later.Experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing, machining) and hands-on assembly.Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motor control, or embedded hardware.A passion for hardware and solving physical problems.Benefits & Compensation
Salary: Competitive Co-Op hourly rate.Vacation: 5 days/termHow to Apply
Does this role sound like a good fit? Please apply through the link below:
https://upsiderobotics.com/about#contact
Please include a portfolio or links to documentation of the most complex physical systems you have designed, built, and scaled from prototype to production.
