Embedded Software Engineering Intern

IENAI SPACE; Leganés; Hybrid; EUR 8,900 - 13,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Flexible hours

Autonomy

Dynamic team

Job summary

IENAI SPACE, a Madrid-based startup in the New Space sector, seeks an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to contribute to firmware and software for our ATHENA propulsion system under supervision. You’ll help in software projects for hardware validation, ground support, and lab automation.

You will work with the Embedded Systems and Software team, gaining hands-on experience in embedded development, electronics prototyping and engineering workflows in a fast-growing, innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor/Master degree in Software Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of C and C++ programming.
• Interest in embedded systems, hardware, and software development.
• Ability to learn quickly and follow technical guidance.
• Proactivity, curiosity and motivation to learn in an R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the embedded systems and software team, contributing to supervised development tasks and assignments of limited complexity.
• Collaborating with hardware teams by providing software for functional tests, prototype bring-up and hardware validation activities.
• Contributing to laboratory setups, participating in sensor and peripheral testing, measurement sessions and basic debugging activities.
• Preparing simple documentation, including basic procedures, notes and test results.

Skills

C and C++ programming

Embedded systems

Quick learner

Follow technical guidance

Proactiveness

Education

Bachelor or Master in Software Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related

Tools

Arduino

Git

UART SPI I2C

Job description

IENAI SPACE is an early-stage startup located in Madrid, developing an end-to-end ecosystem of in-space mobility products, including propulsion systems and engineering SaaS. We are a highly innovative company in the “New Space” sector; the team is made up of a dynamic and multidisciplinary group of engineers, PhDs and developers, looking to revolutionize space mobility for the adoption of propulsion products in the smallest of satellites. We recently kickstarted our commercial phase with our first product: 360™, a Mission and Space Mobility analysis SaaS.

Our mission is to build tailored, end-to-end space mobility products and services for the next generation of small satellites empowering a sustainable new space economy. We believe this is possible because we rely on our values: Infinite Innovation, Extraterrestrial Excellence, Cosmic Collaboration, Astronomical Agility and Planetary Passion.

How will you contribute to IENAI SPACE?

As an Embedded Software Engineering Intern, you will gain hands‑on experience in embedded software, electronics prototypes and real engineering workflows. You will contribute to firmware and software development for our propulsion system (under supervision), and create or collaborate in small software projects for hardware validation, ground support and lab automation.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the embedded systems and software team, contributing to supervised development tasks and assignments of limited complexity.


• Collaborating with hardware teams by providing software for functional tests, prototype bring‑up and hardware validation activities.


• Contributing to laboratory setups, participating in sensor and peripheral testing, measurement sessions and basic debugging activities.


• Preparing simple documentation, including basic procedures, notes and test results.

What is your department like?

You will the head of our Embedded Systems and Software team, which is part of our Electric Propulsion department. This team is in charge of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining all firmware and software controlling our ATHENA propulsion system and laboratory equipment.

What will make you succeed?

We are looking for (must have):

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor/Master degree in Software Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.


• Basic knowledge of C and C++ programming.


• Interest in embedded systems, hardware, and software development.


• Ability to learn quickly and follow technical guidance.


• Proactivity, curiosity and motivation to learn in an R&D environment.

We also value (nice to have):

• Experience with Arduino or similar frameworks.


• Understanding of communication buses such as UART, SPI, or I²C.


• Basic electronics and sensor knowledge.


• Familiarity with version control software (Git).

What do we offer?

• Hybrid work model – work remotely up to 10 days per month.


• Flexible working hours, allowing you to manage your schedule for better work‑life balance.


• Dynamic environment and a motivated team committed to a unique and fast-growing project.


• Autonomy and responsibility: your contributions will directly shape our technology and success.

What will your recruitment process be like?

Here is a quick overview of the recruitment process:

• Application review: we carefully assess your CV and experience.


• Culture and values interview: a chat with our People team to ensure we share the same mindset and values.


• Technical interview: meet the Tech Lead and showcase your technical skills.