Embedded Engineering Intern

About the Role

The Embedded Engineering Intern will support the Engineering team with supervised work involving embedded firmware, electronics bring-up, test and troubleshooting, data collection, and technical documentation. This role is designed as a structured learning experience and a potential talent pipeline for future engineering openings.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with firmware development, debugging, code review preparation, and controlled software or test changes under supervision.
• Use laboratory equipment and engineering tools to inspect, measure, test, and troubleshoot electronic assemblies and embedded systems.
• Read schematics, datasheets, interface documentation, test requirements, and existing engineering records to understand assigned work.
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data; distinguish observations from conclusions; and communicate results clearly.
• Document procedures, configurations, test evidence, limitations, and recommended follow-up actions in the approved engineering systems.
• Participate in team meetings, design reviews, build or test activities, and weekly intern check-ins.
• Follow applicable safety, quality, confidentiality, cybersecurity, configuration-control, and document-control requirements.
• Ask questions early, surface blockers, and incorporate feedback from the supervisor and technical mentors.

Projects

• Embedded development project: Implement or extend a small firmware feature, diagnostic routine, or test utility under engineer direction, with documented requirements, code review, and demonstrated operation by the midpoint or agreed project date.
• Test and troubleshooting project: Create or improve a repeatable bench test, fixture procedure, or diagnostic workflow; collect results from representative hardware; and summarize findings in an engineering report by the end of the internship.
• Engineering documentation project: Produce or update controlled documentation such as a test procedure, interface description, troubleshooting guide, or design record, with review comments resolved before final presentation.
• Learning and communication outcome: Maintain a weekly record of progress, blockers, and learning; present the completed work and recommendations to the Engineering team during the final two weeks.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Minimum Skills

• Foundational programming experience in C, C++, Python, or a comparable language.
• Basic understanding of digital electronics, microcontrollers, serial communications, or embedded-system concepts.
• Ability to read technical documentation and follow a structured test or build procedure.
• Basic data organization and analysis skills using spreadsheets or comparable tools.
• Clear written and verbal communication, organization, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.

Preferred Skills

• Coursework or project experience with embedded firmware, RTOS concepts, Git, version control, or software debugging.
• Experience with oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, soldering, or electronics test fixtures.
• Exposure to UART, SPI, I2C, USB, RS-485, CAN, Modbus, HART, or similar interfaces.
• Experience documenting a technical project and presenting the results to others.

Traits

• Curious, dependable, coachable, safety-conscious, methodical, and comfortable working through unfamiliar technical problems with guidance.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree or technical certificate in electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems, computer science, mechatronics, or a closely related discipline from an ABET accredited institution. Candidates who will complete a relevant certificate or degree before the internship may also be considered.

Physical Demands

This role is primarily performed in an office and engineering laboratory environment. Essential duties may involve sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and using hands to operate computers and laboratory equipment. The intern must be able to occasionally lift and move instruments, components, or assemblies weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.