Internship - Mechanical Engineer

Onsite 5 days a week - Chiswick, London.

Design the Future of Sustainable Storage

At HoloMem, we are building the future of data storage — an ultra high density, highly durable, and environmentally sustainable solution to one of the world’s most pressing technological challenges. Our pioneering holographic storage technology encodes data within advanced polymer materials using laser light, creating a resilient and long term alternative to today’s energy intensive cloud data storage infrastructure.

Having graduated from both the Intel Ignite and Deeptech Labs accelerators and been awarded two Innovate UK Smart Grants HoloMem is continuing to grow its multidisciplinary team of scientists and innovators. For this role we are seeking a brilliant and creative intern to work at the heart of our core technology, designing and building sophisticated optical systems that write and read data at unprecedented densities. This is as opportunity to solve fundamental challenges in photonics and make a lasting, positive impact on a global scale.

Internship Summary

This is not about integrating off the shelf components or following conventional design cycles. At HoloMem, you’ll own the design and build bespoke internal mechanical systems — think precision motion, tape transport, and mechanism integration — crafted specifically for our cutting-edge data storage architecture. You’ll move fluidly between CAD and the lab, collaborating closely with physicists, materials scientists, and engineers to prototype and iterate at speed.

The Role

  • Push the capabilities of holographic data storage technologies by creating innovative solutions to challenging problems

  • Design, build and test precision mechanical and electromechanical subsystem

  • Integrate motion systems with microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators

  • Debug and validate high-performance control systems

  • Collaborate closely with a group of mechanical, optical and software engineers, seeking critical feedback and suggestions for continuous improvement

  • Work hands-on in our Chiswick lab — designing, building, testing, and refining

Who You Are

We’re looking for a pragmatic, creative intern who thrives at the interface of mechanics, mechatronics and robotics. You bring a strong mechanical foundation and hands-on prototyping skills, with the range and curiosity to work across disciplines and solve real-world, physical problems.

Expected

  • A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline

  • A strong portfolio of hands-on projects — robotics, automation, mechanical, or motion systems

  • Strong 3D CAD skills and experience producing drawings and building assemblies

  • Hands-on prototyping experience (machining, 3D printing, assembly, soldering)

  • Solid grasp of mechanical fundamentals — kinematics, materials, tolerancing, failure modes

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

Desirable Skills

  • Experience designing for motion — motors, actuators, bearings, encoders, etc.

  • Practical experience with GD&T and mechanical metrology

  • Familiarity with embedded microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi)

  • Programming in C/C++, Python or similar

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to careers@holomem.co.uk or use the link below. Show us what you’ve designed, built, or tested. If you’re excited about the mission — even if you don’t meet every requirement — we’d love to hear from you.

HoloMem is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all.

Apply