System Electrical Engineer Intern
Required skills
- EE fundamentals
- circuit analysis
- analog electronics
- digital electronics
- power basics
- lab equipment
- oscilloscopes
- multimeters
- power supplies
- circuit board design
Nice to have
- PCB design
- Altium
- Python
- test automation
- data analysis
- embedded C/C++
Role summary
Tacit, a deep tech startup in San Francisco backed by top VCs, is seeking a System Electrical Engineer Intern. This role involves validating, debugging, and improving electrical components in sensing hardware. Interns will work with prototype boards, perform bench measurements using lab equipment, troubleshoot hardware issues, propose design changes, automate tests, and analyze data. The position is ideal for Master's or PhD students in Electrical Engineering or related fields with a strong grasp of EE fundamentals and hands-on lab experience. Opportunities exist for PCB design, test automation with Python, embedded C/C++, signal/power integrity, RF circuits, and communication interfaces.
About Tacit
We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life.
About the role
We're looking for a System Electrical Engineer Intern to help validate, debug, and improve the electrical blocks in our sensing hardware. You'll work alongside our hardware engineers on real prototype boards: bringing them up on the bench, measuring how they perform, tracking down problems, and helping turn what you learn into the next design.
You'll take part in the product's journey from prototype to mass production, including bring-up, design updates, and testing. We hire interns on a rolling basis and are flexible on start date and timeline.
What you'll do
Help bring up prototype boards and get them ready for testing.
Run bench measurements on power rails, battery charging, sensor front ends, and digital interfaces, following validation plans and helping write new ones. Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, and multimeters to characterize how blocks perform.
Help debug hardware issues and narrow down root causes with the hardware team. Propose and implement small schematic and layout changes to improve performance, power, or board area.
Build and automate repeatable bench tests, and collect and analyze data across multiple boards.
Document results and present findings and recommendations to the team.
Required qualifications
Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Solid grasp of EE fundamentals: circuit analysis, analog and digital electronics, and power basics
Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies, from coursework, projects, or prior internships.
Experience designing or debugging a circuit board, in class, in a club, or on your own.
Curiosity and persistence when tracking down why something isn't working. Clear communication and good documentation habits.
Strong candidates may have
PCB design experience in Altium or a similar tool.
Python for test automation or data analysis, or embedded C/C++.
Background in signal integrity and power integrity simulation.
Familiarity with RF circuits and components.
Exposure to mixed-signal, power, or battery-powered designs.
Experience with high-speed or communication interfaces such as USB, SPI, or I2C. Independent work ethic, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
Comfort in a fast-moving startup, and excitement to build independently.
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