CPT Embedded Software Engineer Jobs
Embedded Software Engineer CPT jobs let F-1 students apply firmware, RTOS, and hardware-software integration skills in industry before graduation. CPT must be authorized by your DSO and tied directly to your degree program, making roles in automotive, robotics, IoT, and defense electronics strong fits for academic approval.
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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 Software Engineer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Embedded Software Engineer role qualify for CPT?
Yes, if the work is integral to your degree program and your DSO approves it. Roles involving firmware development, RTOS programming, or hardware-software integration map directly to ECE and CS curricula. You'll need a written job offer and a course enrollment that formally incorporates the work experience before your DSO can authorize CPT.
Does a CPT employer need to file anything with USCIS?
No. CPT authorization comes entirely from your school, not USCIS. Your DSO updates your I-20 to reflect the employer, job title, and authorized dates. The employer doesn't file a petition or pay any government fees, which makes CPT significantly faster to set up than H-1B visa or OPT STEM extension filings.
How do I find embedded engineering employers who regularly hire F-1 students on CPT?
Migrate Mate shows employers with LCA filing history for engineering and software roles, which indicates companies that routinely work with international students. Sectors with strong CPT placement for embedded roles include automotive (ADAS and infotainment), industrial IoT, defense electronics, and semiconductor firms running structured co-op programs.
Will doing full-time CPT affect my OPT eligibility after graduation?
It can. Twelve months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. Part-time CPT, defined as 20 hours or fewer per week, does not count toward that limit regardless of total duration. If you're planning a multi-semester embedded co-op, track your authorized hours carefully and discuss the OPT impact with your DSO before each renewal.
Can I do CPT at a startup without a formal internship program?
Yes, as long as the employer provides a written offer letter describing your duties, and your DSO confirms the role qualifies academically. Startups in robotics, IoT, and edge computing frequently offer embedded engineering roles without formal internship programs. Your school's CPT criteria matter more than the employer's internal program structure.