CPT Embedded Jobs
Embedded jobs let F-1 students apply low-level programming, hardware-software integration, and real-time systems work directly to their degree curriculum. CPT authorization must come from your DSO before your start date, and the role must connect to your program of study, making job selection and documentation timing critical.
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MERL is seeking a motivated intern to design and implement embedded controllers in C/C++ for a Linux-based experimental process control platform. The intern will develop firmware for STM32 and Arduino microcontrollers, integrate motor drivers and related sensors and actuators, and connect embedded components to the APIs and communication interfaces of existing tools. The work combines hands-on embedded development with system integration and experimental validation. Applicants should have a strong background and demonstrable experience in designing and implementing embedded systems using robust and maintainable software practices. Applicants should be MS or PhD students, and the expected duration of the internship is 3-6 months with a flexible start date.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong C/C++ programming skills and hands-on experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, preferably STM32 and/or Arduino-compatible devices.
- Experience with embedded peripherals and protocols such as PWM, ADC, timers, interrupts, UART, SPI, I²C, and/or CAN.
- Demonstrated attention to software engineering practices, including readability, maintainability, testing, and documentation.
COMPENSATION
- The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.
Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.
In addition to base pay, interns receive a relocation stipend, covered travel to and from MERL, and a monthly Charlie Card for local commuting. Interns are invited to participate in weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities, including research talks by both internal and external speakers. Interns who meet the 90-day waiting period are also eligible for health insurance coverage. MERL provides immigration support for qualified candidates as needed. Employment is considered “at-will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.
INTRODUCTION
MERL is seeking a motivated intern to design and implement embedded controllers in C/C++ for a Linux-based experimental process control platform. The intern will develop firmware for STM32 and Arduino microcontrollers, integrate motor drivers and related sensors and actuators, and connect embedded components to the APIs and communication interfaces of existing tools. The work combines hands-on embedded development with system integration and experimental validation. Applicants should have a strong background and demonstrable experience in designing and implementing embedded systems using robust and maintainable software practices. Applicants should be MS or PhD students, and the expected duration of the internship is 3-6 months with a flexible start date.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong C/C++ programming skills and hands-on experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, preferably STM32 and/or Arduino-compatible devices.
- Experience with embedded peripherals and protocols such as PWM, ADC, timers, interrupts, UART, SPI, I²C, and/or CAN.
- Demonstrated attention to software engineering practices, including readability, maintainability, testing, and documentation.
COMPENSATION
- The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.
Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.
In addition to base pay, interns receive a relocation stipend, covered travel to and from MERL, and a monthly Charlie Card for local commuting. Interns are invited to participate in weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities, including research talks by both internal and external speakers. Interns who meet the 90-day waiting period are also eligible for health insurance coverage. MERL provides immigration support for qualified candidates as needed. Employment is considered “at-will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.
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Get Access To All JobsEmbedded CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an embedded systems role qualify for CPT?
Yes, if the work ties directly to your degree curriculum and your DSO authorizes it before your start date. Roles involving firmware development, hardware-software integration, or real-time operating systems typically connect clearly to electrical engineering or computer engineering programs. Your I-20 must reflect the CPT authorization, specifying part-time or full-time status and the exact employment dates.
Can I do full-time CPT for an embedded internship without affecting my OPT eligibility?
Full-time CPT totaling 12 months or more across your program eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, which matters if you're planning to stay in the U.S. after graduation. Part-time CPT, defined as 20 hours or fewer per week, has no impact on OPT regardless of duration. Track your cumulative full-time CPT carefully, especially if you've done multiple semesters of internship work.
How do I find embedded employers who are familiar with CPT hiring?
Migrate Mate lets you search embedded roles and see which employers have a track record of hiring F-1 students. Many embedded teams at automotive, semiconductor, and aerospace companies hire CPT students regularly for hardware bringup, driver development, and testing roles. Filtering by employers with existing CPT or work authorization history cuts out the back-and-forth of educating every recruiter from scratch.
Does my embedded CPT role need to match my exact major?
The role must be an integral part of your curriculum, which your DSO interprets based on your degree field and enrolled courses. A computer science student can typically authorize CPT for embedded software work, but a purely hardware-focused role might face scrutiny. If your program includes embedded systems coursework, the connection is easier to establish and your school's documentation burden is lower.
What should the offer letter include for DSO approval of an embedded CPT role?
Your offer letter needs your employer's legal name, your job title, specific technical duties, your start and end dates, the number of weekly hours, and whether the position is paid or unpaid. For embedded roles, listing concrete responsibilities, like writing bootloaders, configuring peripherals, or profiling real-time tasks, makes the curriculum connection explicit and reduces the chance your DSO requests a revised letter before issuing authorization.