Embedded and Real-Time Software Intern

Quantum-Signal-Ai-1; Saline (MI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gymnasium

Free drinks and snacks

Team activities

Job summary

Quantum Signal AI is seeking an Embedded and Real-Time Software Intern for Summer 2027 in Saline, MI. You will work on low-level software across sensors, microcontrollers, networking, and in-vehicle hardware, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and mentors.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in CS/CE programs, comfortable with Linux, and have experience with C/C++. This in-person internship offers hands-on problem solving in a historic office setting.

Qualifications

• Active enrollment in CS/CE or related degree program.
• Experience with Linux and C/C++.
• Familiarity with robotics or hardware-facing projects.
• Strong programming fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, test, and maintain real-time applications.
• Work with systems involving sensors, microcontrollers, networking, and hardware.
• Collaborate with mentors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop tests and execute test plans.
• Create and contribute to supporting documentation.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Linux

Real-time software

Debugging

Algorithms

Sensor integration

Collaboration

Education

Active enrollment in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

gcc

CMake

gdb

Job description

This is a paid internship. Compensation for this position begins at $29.00 per hour.

Role Summary

Quantum Signal AI is looking for an Embedded and Real-Time Software Internto help develop performant, low-level, and embedded software during the summer of 2027.Internswill gain new skills working onprojectsthat span a variety of applications involving sensor integration, real-time networking, and infotainment hardware. Outstanding candidates will be comfortable with Linux and C/C++ and will have experience with robotics or other hardware-facing projects. We are looking for lifelong learners and tinkerers who are interested intackling unfamiliar project challenges!

Location

Saline, Michigan (In-person). Our “historic schoolhouse” office supports hands-on collaboration, mentorship, and real-time problem solving.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, test, and maintain real-time applications and tooling targeting a variety of architectures and platforms
• Work with complex systems that involve sensors, microcontrollers, networking, custom electronics, and in-vehicle hardware
• Collaborate with your mentor alongside other software, electrical, mechanical, and research engineers as part of multidisciplinary project teams
• Develop tests and execute test plans
• Create and collaborate with others on supporting documentation

What You’ll Bring

• Active enrollment in a Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree program, with student status maintained through the academic term immediately following the internship
• Interest inlow-level software, embedded systems, and hardware-facing development
• Understanding of when you need to ask for help/feedback and willingness to do so
• Experience gained through coursework, internships, club, personal projects,or other hands-on software development activities
• Strong programming fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and debugging techniques
• Experience troubleshooting software/hardware and systematically identifying root causes
• Experience developing software in C/C++
• Experience working in Linux environments

Bonus Points For

• Familiarity with C/C++ development tooling (gcc, CMake, gdb, etc.)
• Familiarity with embedded, distributed, or multithreaded software
• Previous hobby, school, club, or work experience with:
• Microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, etc.)
• Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, NuttX, etc.)
• Embedded or Real-Time Linux (Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, etc.)
• Low-level serial protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.)
• High-speed connectivity protocols (Ethernet, USB, CAN, etc.)
• Sensor processing and integration
• Video and/or audio processing and compression

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you are excited about this role and think you can bring value to Quantum Signal AI,

What You’ll Get

• Frequent collaboration with a diverse set of teams at QSAI
• A rare level of work variety and hands-on experience
• A relaxed, fun community and environment in which to solve interesting problems
• Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) savings plan
• Ford A/X Plan vehicle discounts
• Mentorship-focused learning that emphasizes engineering fundamentals, hands-on problem solving, and understanding the underlying principles behind the systems we build.
• Other perks to fuel creativity such as an on-site gymnasium, free drinks and snacks, and a variety of optional team activities

Candidates for positions with Quantum Signal AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About QSAI

Founded in 1999, Quantum Signal grew up developing intelligent algorithms and AI. As our engineering R&D services expanded, we later sharpened our focus on applications and technology related to mobility, sensing, perception, autonomy, and simulation. In 2019 we became Quantum Signal AI, a subsidiary of Ford Motor developing technologies to advance their R&D efforts. We build solutions to enhance the capability, robustness, safety, and acceptance of intelligent ground vehicles in an effort to make transportation more effective and efficient for all.

While AI is part of our name, our internship program emphasizes building fundamental engineering knowledge, analytical thinking, and practical problem-solving skills. We want interns to understand how and why systems work through hands-on experience, mentorship, and experimentation, rather than simply relying on tools to provide answers.

Our HQ in the historic Union School in Saline, MI is the perfect playground to develop this cutting-edge technology and we’re always looking for smart folks who like new challenges, learning new skills, and technical variety.