Embedded Software Engineer Internships
Embedded software engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience building firmware and real-time systems, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in Manufacturing and Technology & Software, with Tesla, Persistent Systems, and Apex Technology among the employers posting roles now.
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Persistent Systems is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer Intern for the Fall of 2026 to assist in the development and implementation of a wide range of networking software for our industry-leading Wave Relay® products. You will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of senior engineers to develop technology that enables our customers to solve their most difficult networking problems. To excel in this internship, you should have experience developing software in C/C++ for Linux systems, an interest in embedded systems development, and an eagerness to solve challenging problems.
Position Responsibilities
- Assisting in the development and implementation of a wide range of low-level embedded software
- Assisting with hardware development
- Assisting with the development of application software running on the Wave Relay® network, which may include device drivers, Linux kernel modules, network stack development, porting existing software to new embedded platforms, and other low level programming activities
- Support in-house engineering activities
- Assisting in the integration of other systems, sensors, and components with the Wave Relay® system
- Assisting with writing technical proposals
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related
- Experience developing software in C/C++ for Linux systems
- Experience with embedded systems (coursework, projects, internships, etc.)
- Must have a United States security clearance or the ability to obtain a United States security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Linux kernel and kernel module development
- Knowledge of mobile ad hoc networking (MANET)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills
Pay for this role will vary from $25 to $30 an hour based on the selected individual's experience.
This posting will be accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Persistent Systems is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer Intern for the Fall of 2026 to assist in the development and implementation of a wide range of networking software for our industry-leading Wave Relay® products. You will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of senior engineers to develop technology that enables our customers to solve their most difficult networking problems. To excel in this internship, you should have experience developing software in C/C++ for Linux systems, an interest in embedded systems development, and an eagerness to solve challenging problems.
Position Responsibilities
- Assisting in the development and implementation of a wide range of low-level embedded software
- Assisting with hardware development
- Assisting with the development of application software running on the Wave Relay® network, which may include device drivers, Linux kernel modules, network stack development, porting existing software to new embedded platforms, and other low level programming activities
- Support in-house engineering activities
- Assisting in the integration of other systems, sensors, and components with the Wave Relay® system
- Assisting with writing technical proposals
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related
- Experience developing software in C/C++ for Linux systems
- Experience with embedded systems (coursework, projects, internships, etc.)
- Must have a United States security clearance or the ability to obtain a United States security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Linux kernel and kernel module development
- Knowledge of mobile ad hoc networking (MANET)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills
Pay for this role will vary from $25 to $30 an hour based on the selected individual's experience.
This posting will be accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Embedded Software Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
Tips for Your Embedded Software Engineer Internship Search
Apply in fall for the following summer
Large employers in semiconductor, defense, and automotive sectors open summer internship applications as early as August and close them by November. Waiting until spring means most structured cohorts are already full. Set reminders to check listings each fall and submit applications before holiday hiring freezes.
Build a GitHub portfolio before you apply
Embedded software engineer intern screens assess your ability to write firmware, configure peripherals, and debug hardware. A GitHub repository showing a complete project, such as a bare-metal RTOS implementation or a sensor driver with documentation, gives recruiters something concrete to evaluate when your work history is limited.
Work campus fairs and direct applications together
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Professors and your career center frequently know which embedded systems employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to smaller companies running their own cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice coding and debugging on real hardware out loud
Embedded software engineer intern interviews commonly include a coding screen covering data structures and low-level programming, plus questions on interrupts, memory management, and debugging methodology. Practice explaining your reasoning as you work through problems, not just producing an answer, since interviewers weigh how you think through a hardware constraint as much as the final solution.
Target structured university and rotational programs early
Several large semiconductor and defense companies run formal rotational or university internship programs designed to train candidates new to embedded development. These programs recruit well ahead of general postings and fill fast. Identify the ones that fit your focus area, whether that is firmware, FPGA development, or real-time systems, and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the embedded software engineer internships listed here. Embedded development frequently requires lab access, hardware bring-up, and bench debugging, so on-site or hybrid arrangements are common. Decide what you can commit to before searching and filter by location and work type so you are not sorting through roles you cannot take.
Embedded Software Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an embedded software engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. The concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a GitHub repository or portfolio showing firmware, driver code, or RTOS projects with clear documentation. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an embedded software engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for embedded software engineer interns is consistent delivery on real work, available headcount on the team at offer time, and return-offer windows that close before graduation. Position for one by treating your project like a full-time assignment, but keep applying to other roles throughout.
When should I apply for embedded software engineer internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers at semiconductor, aerospace, and automotive companies recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing applications by November. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings consistently rather than waiting for a single season prevents you from missing early-closing cohorts.
Are embedded software engineer internships paid?
Most professional embedded software engineer internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer discloses it. Unpaid arrangements are rare outside certain academic research settings and are not the norm for engineering internships at commercial employers.
What should an embedded software engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects naming the microcontroller or processor, the toolchain, and the language used, with a linked GitHub repository so reviewers can read the code. Add relevant coursework in embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and hardware interfaces. Keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote embedded software engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the embedded software engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get embedded software engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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