Software Engineering Intern (Device Team)

Job Overview

This internship offers a chance to build technology that matters — products that directly empower frontline workers. You'll collaborate with engineers in a high-growth environment, working on custom communication devices at the heart of the Relay platform, from application-layer features to deep OS and hardware integration. Interns will gain hands-on experience across the full device stack, from Android application development and OS-level systems programming to embedded firmware and Linux hardware interfaces — contributing to a product that ships to real customers every 6 weeks.

What You Will Do

You'll work on product development for Relay's custom communication devices — Android-based hardware designed entirely in-house. We own the full stack, from hardware to software, and ship updates to customers approximately every 6 weeks. Depending on your background, you'll contribute across one or more layers:

• Android
• Fix bugs and build new features spanning application development (Kotlin, Java) and OS-level programming, which may touch the Linux Kernel, Java-based frameworks, shell scripts, or C/C++/Rust daemons.
• Linux OS
• Work below the Android layer on operating system tasks and hardware interfaces.
• Embedded systems
• Develop new embedded products or microcontroller firmware that runs inside or alongside existing Relay devices.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently enrolled in a Computer Science or related technical field with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Strong proficiency in C, Java, or Kotlin.
• Android/AOSP systems programming experience is a plus but not required — if you're a solid developer with a Linux systems background, you can learn Android.
• Experience in embedded systems programming — e.g., NRF or ST-based products running Zephyr, ThreadX, or Linux.
• Experience programming Linux at or below the POSIX API layer, typically in C/C++ (Rust experience is increasingly relevant as AOSP adopts it).
• Solid experience with scripting languages such as Bash, Python, or similar.
• Familiarity with IP networking concepts (HTTP, TCP/UDP sockets) is preferred.
• Comfort with desktop and server Linux distributions — our development environments and internal tooling are Linux-based.
• An analytical, methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and a habit of documenting what you build.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and self-prioritize.
• Exposure to Agile development practices.
• Genuine curiosity and drive to learn.
• Expected graduation date of December 2027 or Spring 2028.
• This is a paid internship during the summer 2027.
• Interns are expected to work full-time in-office during the summer in Raleigh, NC.