Embedded Software Engineer – Intern
Role summary
This internship offers a unique opportunity for an aspiring Embedded Software Engineer to own the development of a new embedded firmware feature from prototype to production release. The intern will write and optimize C/C++ firmware for resource-constrained microcontrollers, design efficient data structures, integrate new functionality into existing codebases, and build supporting host-side tooling. Responsibilities include developing and executing test plans, participating in code reviews, and documenting technical decisions. The role emphasizes hands-on experience with production-quality code, memory optimization, and the full embedded development lifecycle, with direct mentorship and cross-functional exposure.
The Opportunity
You will own the development of a new embedded firmware feature from prototype through production release. This is not a side project or a simulation—your work will ship in products used by customers across a wide range of industries. You will be given a well-defined starting point, clear objectives, and the mentorship to deliver production-quality results.
Day-to-day, You Can Expect To
- Write and optimize C/C++ firmware for resource-constrained microcontrollers
- Design and implement efficient data structures within tight memory and performance budgets
- Integrate new functionality into an existing shipping firmware codebase
- Build supporting host side tooling
- Develop test plans and validate your work for production readiness
Why This Matters
What you develop will have a meaningful impact on both rf IDEAS and our customers. Your work will improve the experience for customers who depend on our products every day, reduce operational costs, and strengthen our product offering in the market. You will see the direct connection between your code and real business outcomes.
Technical Responsibilities
- Write production-quality embedded C/C++ firmware targeting resource-constrained microcontrollers
- Implement and optimize data structures within tight memory and performance constraints
- Integrate new feature functionality into an existing, shipping firmware codebase
- Develop and execute test plans to validate reliability, data integrity, and edge-case behavior
- Build PC-side support tooling (Python or C++) to complement the embedded feature
- Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and team meetings
- Document architecture decisions, APIs, and integration procedures
Education
Required Qualifications:
- Actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in C and/or C++ with an understanding of pointers, memory management, and data structures
- Familiarity with version control systems
- Ability to read and understand existing codebases and technical documentation
- Coursework or project experience in systems programming, computer architecture, or embedded systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with embedded or bare-metal development (hobby, coursework, or professional)
- Familiarity with RTOS concepts (task scheduling, synchronization, resource management)
- Exposure to USB or HID protocols
- Experience with debugging tools such as microcontroller debuggers, logic analyzers, or oscilloscopes
- Knowledge of memory-constrained design patterns and efficient data structures
- Scripting experience in Python for tooling or automation
- Familiarity with embedded development toolchains and build systems
Communication & Collaboration
- Present a strategic and tactical project plan during Weeks 2–3, outlining objectives, priorities, timeline, and KPIs
- Deliver a mid-internship project update to your buddy and department leader
- Prepare and deliver a final presentation to the rf IDEAS leadership team showcasing your work and its business impact
- Communicate clearly in both technical and non-technical settings
- Participate in cross-functional lunch & learn sessions and shadowing opportunities
What You’ll Gain
Technical Growth:
- Production embedded firmware development practices and code quality standards
- Memory optimization and resource-constrained design techniques
- Experience integrating firmware subsystems into a shipping product
- Exposure to the full embedded development lifecycle: architecture, implementation, testing, and release
Professional Growth
- Direct mentorship from experienced firmware engineers
- Cross-functional exposure to product, hardware, and quality teams
- Experience presenting technical work to leadership audiences
- Networking across a growing organization within a Fortune 1000 parent company
Internship Details
- Paid, full-time position (40 hours/week, approximately 8am–5pm)
- Health insurance coverage (medical) for interns working 30+ hours/week
- 401(k) eligibility with dollar-for-dollar match on the first 5% of deferrals
- Onsite presence required; 1-day/week WFH option (role dependent)
- 3 days unpaid time off available if needed during the internship
Behavioral Assessment
In Addition To Supplying Us With Your Resume, We Ask That You Take Our Behavioral Assessment Through Predictive Index By Going To The Following Link
https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/B3WV/EmbeddedSoftwareEngineerSummerIntern\_Mar2026\_15449
Tips- Complete the assessment in a quiet place, free from interruption, in one session
Take as much time as you wish to complete this assessment; typically takes
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