Embedded Hardware & Controls Engineering Intern

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Hardware & Controls Engineering Intern to help design, build, and support the electronics and control systems behind our Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience across embedded electronics, power control, and industrial automation while contributing to cutting-edge thermal energy projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design embedded hardware, including schematic capture, PCB layout, component selection, and BOM preparation.
• Develop and test microcontroller firmware, including bring-up, debugging, and validation of prototype boards.
• Build, assemble, and test boards, and integrate them with sensors, industrial I/O, and control panels.
• Support the design, wiring, documentation, and commissioning of electrical control panels.
• Assist with PLC and HMI programming for our industrial control systems.
• Troubleshoot hardware and control issues on the bench and on site, and document designs, test results, and procedures.
• Take ownership of assigned projects from concept to working hardware.

Competencies

• Energy, Drive, and Speed
• Hands-on and safety-minded, comfortable working with lab equipment and industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to approach problems methodically and leverage technical knowledge for practical solutions.
• Works effectively both independently and in a team environment.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Demonstrated experience designing and building embedded hardware, such as PCBs designed and brought up through coursework, research, student teams, or personal projects.
• Strong understanding of analog and digital circuits, power supplies, and microcontrollers.
• Experience programming microcontrollers in C/C++.
• Comfortable using an oscilloscope, multimeter, bench supply, and soldering iron.
• Experience with PLCs, industrial communication protocols, control panel wiring, or power electronics is a plus.
• Experience with Python for testing or data analysis is a plus.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Location & Hours

• Location: Champaign, IL, Onsite work
• Hours: 10–20 hours per week during the semester; 20–40 hours per week during breaks