Digital Signal Processing(DSP)/RF Modeling Intern

Impinj; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 35,817 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship opportunities

Hands-on experience

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A leading RAIN RFID provider is seeking a DSP/RF Modeling Intern in Seattle. The role involves enhancing a Python-based simulation environment, improving physical-layer modeling realism, and validating new RF techniques. Candidates should be enrolled in a related engineering program with Python proficiency. This internship offers significant learning and mentorship opportunities, supporting future career development. Compensation ranges from $26.00/hr to $40.00/hr, with various benefits available.

Qualifications

• 1-3+ years of relevant coursework experience.
• Experience in testing and validating simulations.
• Exposure to RF modeling techniques.

Responsibilities

• Restructure RF channel-modeling framework.
• Develop unified geometry-based RF propagation model.
• Create unit and integration tests.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Numerical computing libraries

Strong analytical skills

Testing frameworks experience

Communication skills

Education

Currently enrolled in Bachelor's or Master’s program in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Link budget analysis

MIMO concepts

Propagation modeling

Antenna modeling

Job description

Impinj is a leading RAIN RFID provider and Internet of Things pioneer. We’re inventing ways to connect everything to the Internet — including retail apparel, retail general merchandise, healthcare items, automobile parts, airline baggage, food and much more. With more than 100 billion items connected to date, and multiple Fortune 500 enterprises around the world using our platform, we solve for a better understanding of our world. If it’s a thing, we’re working to connect it. Join Impinj and help us realize our vision of a boundless IoT— connecting trillions of everyday items to the Internet.

Team Overview

Impinj is seeking a DSP/RF Modeling Intern to join the Communication Systems Engineering team. You will collaborate with RF systems engineers and simulation developers to enhance our Python-based link‑level simulation environment used for RAIN RFID research and product development. Your work will improve physical‑layer modeling realism and enable more robust evaluation of next‑generation algorithms and system concepts.

What You Will Do

• Restructure the RF channel‑modeling framework into a clear, maintainable object‑oriented hierarchy
• Develop a unified geometry‑based RF propagation model consolidating free‑space, reflection, and multipath calculations
• Extend geometric modeling to incorporate realistic antenna directionality and frequency‑dependent gain
• Create comprehensive unit and integration tests validating channel behavior against analytical models
• Implement and test a new RF or DSP technique using the enhanced channel models
• Document best practices enabling rapid algorithm prototyping using the improved modeling framework

What You Will Bring

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 1‑3+ years of relevant coursework experience
• Proficiency in Python and numerical computing libraries
• Experience with testing frameworks and validating simulations against analytical models
• Exposure to MIMO concepts, propagation modeling, antenna modeling, or link budget analysis
• Strong analytical and debugging skills
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Why Intern With Impinj

The Impinj Summer Internship Program is designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with a comprehensive learning experience that goes beyond traditional work assignments. It offers a unique blend of professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help interns thrive in their roles and prepare for successful careers. Students develop valuable skills through interactive learning sessions and receive personalized mentorship and guidance from early‑career colleagues.

The program offers more than just a resume boost. It’s a chance to access hands‑on experience, leadership insights, and a network of peers and mentors that lasts well beyond the summer.

Learn what our interns last year had to say about their experience: Impinj Intern Program: A Season of Learning, Connection, and Fun (Impinj blog).

This Summer Internship Cohort begins on Monday, June 15 and ends September 4. The start date is firm; the end date is flexible to end early. All internship positions report at least on a hybrid basis to our Seattle office. There is opportunity for full time employment for those graduates or those entering their senior year.

Compensation & Benefits

The benefits listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Impinj and the country where you work.

The typical base pay range for this role across the US is $26.00/hr - $40.00/hr. Individual base pay depends on various factors such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties, requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Both market wage data and the mid‑point of the pay range is reviewed and used as the starting point for all new hire offers. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At Impinj certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, annual bonus and stock. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. In addition, certain roles also have the opportunity to earn sales incentives based on revenue or utilization, depending on the terms of the plan and the employee’s role. US based employees have access to healthcare benefits; a 401(k) plan and company match among others.

For a more comprehensive list of US employment benefits, clickhere.

US Export Controls

This position has access to technologies or data subject to U.S. export control regulations. Under these laws, the release or transfer of export‑controlled items or information to individuals who are not classified as "U.S. persons" (as defined by Immigration & Nationality Act) may require prior authorization from the U.S. government. We may require additional documentation related to national identity to determine whether an export compliance license is required for any export‑controlled items. This information is requested solely for the purpose of complying with U.S. export control laws and will not be used for other purposes. Learn more about export compliance here.

Why work at Impinj

Know you’re making a difference. Competitive benefits. Support for remote work or a desk with a view. Weekly Q&A sessions with our executive team. Impinj provides an environment that fosters openness and innovation and is developing technology that delivers a positive impact on the world. Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued, and accomplishments are duly celebrated. We have an open paid time‑off policy paired with a respect for work/life balance. Our headquarters is located in Seattle with spectacular views of the Olympics, Lake Union, and Mt Baker, which can be enjoyed from our rooftop deck. Our Brazilian site is in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, at “Tecnopuc,” a technology park that offers a very nice workplace for the development of groundbreaking technologies. Impinj is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.