Hardware Engineer (Fall Co-op)

About the role

This opportunity invites you to join Verkada as a Hardware Engineering Intern where you will play a critical part in pushing the boundaries of enterprise physical security. You will own the electrical design and validation of next generation cameras, access control readers, and a diverse array of IoT sensors that define the future of smart buildings. In this role, you will translate abstract product requirements into concrete hardware schematics and layouts that are ready for real world deployment. You will be responsible for building robust test fixtures and executing experiments that de risk new circuit concepts before they reach production. Your work will directly influence the roadmap from initial concept exploration all the way through to mass production readiness. You will collaborate daily with cross functional teams to ensure hardware solutions meet stringent performance, cost, and reliability targets. This position is designed for individuals who want hands on ownership of their projects and the satisfaction of seeing their designs power real enterprise systems. By the end of your internship, you will have a deep understanding of how large scale hardware products are designed, validated, and manufactured.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Partner with senior engineers to drive the end to end electrical design of cameras, access control devices, and sensor platforms.
• Plan and conduct experiments that validate new circuit concepts, analyze results, and document findings for team review.
• Create precise schematic diagrams and production ready board layouts using professional CAD tools for both development and test hardware.
• Interface with manufacturing partners to identify process improvements that increase yield, reduce cost, and improve reliability.
• Write and execute test procedures that verify hardware functionality, signal integrity, and compliance with system level requirements.
• Source components, build prototype boards, and perform rigorous debugging to resolve issues found during bring up.
• Maintain detailed design records and coordinate with software and firmware teams to ensure seamless hardware software integration.
• Support the development of test fixtures and diagnostic tools that enable efficient validation throughout the product lifecycle.
• Evaluate alternative component choices and trade studies to optimize cost, availability, and performance for target applications.
• Contribute to the creation of technical documentation that guides production teams and future engineering efforts.
• Analyze field failure data and work cross functionally to implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Leverage simulation tools to predict circuit behavior and validate designs before physical prototypes are available.
• Participate in design reviews where you will present your work, receive feedback, and iterate based on team input.
• Assist in the qualification of new manufacturing processes to ensure designs are robust and scalable for high volume production.

Requirements

• You are currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field.
• You are available to commit to a Fall 2026 Co Op with a strong preference for a continuous engagement lasting 4 to 8 months.
• You have practical, hands on experience using electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies.
• You have demonstrable skills in schematic capture and board level validation from academic projects or personal work.
• You communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and during collaborative discussions with technical peers.
• You thrive in a fast paced startup environment where you must adapt to changing priorities and new technical challenges.
• You are passionate about taking on hands on work and seeing projects through from design to debug.
• You are legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of this internship without requiring additional sponsorship.

Practical notes

• Verkada sponsors and takes over employment visas for this role.
• After 90 days of employment, interns are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of employee premiums covered for at least one medical plan and 80% for dependents.
• Benefits include personal sick time and volunteer time off.
• Healthy lunches, snacks, and coffee are provided daily.
• This is a full time onsite position based in San Mateo, California.
• The listed compensation is $45 USD per hour for the duration of the co op.
• Applicants must be available for the Fall 2026 term with a minimum commitment of 4 months and a maximum commitment of 8 months.
• Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution while completing this internship.
• All work authorization verifications will be completed prior to the start date.
• The work location for this role is Verkada's office in San Mateo, and no remote work options are available for this position.
• Applicants should be prepared to commit to the full duration of the internship once start dates are confirmed.