Software Firmware Engineer Internships
Software firmware engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience developing embedded systems and low-level code alongside working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Demand is strongest across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Tesla, CNH Industrial, and Rockwell Automation among the employers posting roles now.
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About Us
Innovation. Sustainability. Productivity. This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of farmers and builders everywhere. With a growing global population and increased demands on resources, our products are instrumental to feeding and sheltering the world.
From developing products that run on alternative power to productivity-enhancing precision tech, we are delivering solutions that benefit people – and they are possible thanks to people like you. If the opportunity to build your skills as part of a collaborative, global team excites you, you’re in the right place.
Grow a Career. Build a Future!
Be part of this company at the forefront of agriculture and construction, that passionately innovates to drive customer efficiency and success. And we know innovation can’t happen without collaboration. So, everything we do at CNH Industrial is about reaching new heights as one team, always delivering for the good of our customers.
We are committed to building a strong talent pipeline by investing in early career professionals. Our internship and co-op programs provide mentorship, training, hands-on experience, and growth opportunities that empower students to explore their career paths with confidence. Through competitive wages, networking events, social and volunteer activities, professional development workshops, and housing support, we strive to deliver one of the best internship experiences—designed to develop and inspire the talent of tomorrow. Summer interns work full-time (40 hours per week) from May through August. Candidates must be currently enrolled college students actively pursuing a degree to participate in the internship program.
Job Purpose
The Firmware Intern will support ECU firmware development team in Oak Brook, IL, focusing on real time embedded ECU controllers. This role provides hands-on experience developing low level firmware software catered for Automotive grade ECUs.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop low level firmware driver software for ECUs.
- Configure and Integrate HAL based drivers and modify as per the requirements.
- Automate manual workflows with scripting language
- Develop and maintain software documentation: SDD, SRS, API documentation, product functional spec etc.
- Troubleshoot and fix bugs during development
- Use bug tracking systems (such as Polarion, Jira) and configuration management tools (e.g. Git or similar)
Experience Required
- Pursuing Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in engineering (Electrical/Electronics/Computers) is required
- Strong in C-language and Embedded Systems concepts
- Experience with Firmware development and debugging
- Python, CAPL or similar scripting language
- Microcontrollers, RTOS, CAN or similar protocol understanding
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Functional safety, Cybersecurity, Automotive ECU development process
- Knowleged of how to read Data sheets for the microconotrllers and perfipheral devices (RAM, Flash, EEPROM, IMU etc.)
Pay Transparency
$ 28.84 - $ 38.11 per Hour
What We Offer
Apply now
- Apply Now Start applying with LinkedIn
Start
- Please wait...
Apply now
- Apply Now Start applying with LinkedIn
Start
- Please wait...
About Us
Innovation. Sustainability. Productivity. This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of farmers and builders everywhere. With a growing global population and increased demands on resources, our products are instrumental to feeding and sheltering the world.
From developing products that run on alternative power to productivity-enhancing precision tech, we are delivering solutions that benefit people – and they are possible thanks to people like you. If the opportunity to build your skills as part of a collaborative, global team excites you, you’re in the right place.
Grow a Career. Build a Future!
Be part of this company at the forefront of agriculture and construction, that passionately innovates to drive customer efficiency and success. And we know innovation can’t happen without collaboration. So, everything we do at CNH Industrial is about reaching new heights as one team, always delivering for the good of our customers.
We are committed to building a strong talent pipeline by investing in early career professionals. Our internship and co-op programs provide mentorship, training, hands-on experience, and growth opportunities that empower students to explore their career paths with confidence. Through competitive wages, networking events, social and volunteer activities, professional development workshops, and housing support, we strive to deliver one of the best internship experiences—designed to develop and inspire the talent of tomorrow. Summer interns work full-time (40 hours per week) from May through August. Candidates must be currently enrolled college students actively pursuing a degree to participate in the internship program.
Job Purpose
The Firmware Intern will support ECU firmware development team in Oak Brook, IL, focusing on real time embedded ECU controllers. This role provides hands-on experience developing low level firmware software catered for Automotive grade ECUs.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop low level firmware driver software for ECUs.
- Configure and Integrate HAL based drivers and modify as per the requirements.
- Automate manual workflows with scripting language
- Develop and maintain software documentation: SDD, SRS, API documentation, product functional spec etc.
- Troubleshoot and fix bugs during development
- Use bug tracking systems (such as Polarion, Jira) and configuration management tools (e.g. Git or similar)
Experience Required
- Pursuing Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in engineering (Electrical/Electronics/Computers) is required
- Strong in C-language and Embedded Systems concepts
- Experience with Firmware development and debugging
- Python, CAPL or similar scripting language
- Microcontrollers, RTOS, CAN or similar protocol understanding
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Functional safety, Cybersecurity, Automotive ECU development process
- Knowleged of how to read Data sheets for the microconotrllers and perfipheral devices (RAM, Flash, EEPROM, IMU etc.)
Pay Transparency
$ 28.84 - $ 38.11 per Hour
What We Offer
Apply now
- Apply Now Start applying with LinkedIn
Start
- Please wait...
Software Firmware Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Software Firmware Engineer Internship Search
Apply months before your target start date
Large employers in aerospace, semiconductor, and consumer electronics open summer internship applications the preceding fall, sometimes as early as August. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates. Check listings regularly so you catch both waves and do not miss early deadlines.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for software firmware engineer interns expect limited work history and look for proof of ability instead. Document two or three personal or coursework projects on GitHub, including the microcontroller or platform, the languages used, and what the code actually does. A recruiter who can read your repository has something concrete to bring to the hiring manager.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and professors or career center advisors often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside your campus activity widens the pool you reach and reduces your dependence on any single channel.
Practice your technical screen out loud before you apply
Software firmware engineer intern interviews typically include a coding screen on data structures, algorithms, and low-level programming concepts. Practice solving problems out loud and explaining your reasoning step by step, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you reach the correct answer.
Target structured internship programs at larger companies
Many large employers in defense, automotive, and semiconductor run dedicated university internship cohorts built to onboard people new to embedded and firmware work. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and often have clearer mentorship structures than ad-hoc intern placements. Identify the ones that fit your target industry and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the software firmware engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you search, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you are not sorting through roles you cannot accept.
Software Firmware Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a software firmware engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A linked GitHub repository showing embedded or low-level code gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Apply directly to companies and attend campus career fairs, where recruiters often make faster decisions for students they meet in person.
Can a software firmware 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 software firmware engineer interns is consistent delivery on real project work, available headcount on the team, and how early the company sets its return-offer budget. Treat the internship as serious professional work without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for software firmware engineer internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers, particularly in aerospace, semiconductor, and consumer electronics, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often as early as August or September. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear year-round and searching regularly is worth the effort.
Are software firmware engineer internships paid?
Most professional software firmware 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 internships exist but are uncommon in engineering fields at established companies.
What should a software firmware engineer internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history, naming the tools, languages, and microcontrollers used and linking directly to the code on GitHub or a personal site. Add relevant coursework in embedded systems, operating systems, or computer architecture. Keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote software firmware engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the software firmware 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 software firmware 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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