As an Embedded Firmware Engineer Intern, you'll play a key role in designing and refining firmware for advanced IoT devices deployed in mission-critical environments. You'll work directly with microcontrollers and embedded systems, contributing to production-level code that powers connected devices across logistics, healthcare, and industrial operations.
What You'll Do
- Develop and maintain firmware for ARM-based microcontrollers using embedded C/C++
- Write and test low-level drivers for sensors, radios, and peripheral components
- Integrate wireless communication modules including BLE, LoRa, and cellular IoT technologies
- Support hardware bring-up and perform board-level debugging using JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Build automated test frameworks to validate firmware functionality and reliability
- Optimize system performance and power efficiency for battery-operated devices
- Collaborate on firmware architecture, participate in code reviews, and help shape development practices
- Assist in developing intelligent tools, automation scripts, and monitoring dashboards
What We're Looking For
You're currently enrolled in a degree program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field. You have a solid foundation in embedded programming and a passion for working with physical systems.
- Proficiency in C or C++ for embedded applications
- Hands-on experience or coursework involving microcontrollers and embedded development
- Understanding of digital communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, and UART
- Strong analytical and debugging abilities
- Curiosity about how hardware and software interact at a low level
Preferred Background
- Experience with ARM Cortex-M series microcontrollers
- Familiarity with wireless technologies including BLE, LoRa, Wi-Fi, or cellular IoT
- Hands-on use of debugging tools like logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, or JTAG interfaces
- Personal or academic projects involving robotics, embedded systems, or hardware prototyping
- Scripting experience in Python for testing or automation purposes
- Interest in low-power design and energy-efficient embedded systems
Technology Environment
You'll work with a stack centered on C and C++ running on ARM-based platforms, interfacing with sensors and wireless modules via SPI, I2C, and UART. Communication layers include BLE, LoRa, and cellular IoT, with testing supported by JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. Python is used for tooling and automation.
Internship Experience
- Work on real hardware and firmware deployed in production environments
- Gain exposure to large-scale IoT deployments and distributed system integration
- Collaborate with engineers across hardware, firmware, and cloud disciplines
- Contribute code that ships to active field deployments
Work Environment
This is an onsite position based in San Jose, CA. You'll work alongside engineers who value deep technical understanding, hands-on problem solving, and end-to-end system ownership. The culture emphasizes learning through doing, with a focus on building intelligent physical systems that solve real challenges in logistics, healthcare, and industrial operations.
