Robotics & Embedded Systems Intern

About the role

Hardware platforms advance through combined development and testing to support autonomous flight for logistics, medical, and defense missions.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

UAV platforms are assembled and maintained to keep research and development on schedule for flight testing. Sensors, cameras, radios, and communication modules are integrated so systems can function as intended. Hardware functionality verification covers power, communication, and sensor outputs to confirm system readiness. Bench testing and flight testing preparation activities enable safe operational validation. Hardware integration with onboard compute systems supports data processing and control requirements. Scripting or software tasks such as device testing and logging are handled when project needs require it.

Requirements

Strong interest in robotics systems and UAVs guides learning and contribution on complex projects. Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical systems allows safe handling of components and connections. Wiring, connectors, or soldering experience helps build reliable hardware assemblies. Familiarity with Linux and basic programming in Python or C++ supports development and testing efforts. ROS2 experience enables middleware communication and control for system operations. Hands-on hardware work and troubleshooting during iterative development is managed effectively.

Nice to have

Drones or robotics platforms experience accelerates testing and integration tasks. Embedded systems or microcontrollers familiarity supports low-level device control. Communication protocols such as UART, SPI, CAN, and I2C system networking is understood. PX4 autopilot experience leverages existing flight stack capabilities for flight operations. Sensor or camera integration supports perception and situational awareness.

Practical notes

Enroll in a degree program that matches the required fields of study and prepare for occasional travel. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Roles like this focus on physical systems, real hardware, and integration tasks in robotics or aviation. Common tools include Linux environments, programming languages such as Python or C++, and middleware like ROS2. Field testing conditions can vary, and documentation supports long term team collaboration.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.