Embedded Software Engineering Intern 2027 Summer Internship - northwoodspace

Polluxa, Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Northwood is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to help build Linux-based embedded devices powering next‑gen ground stations. You will collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to design, test, and validate embedded systems connecting hardware and software platforms.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with embedded Linux, hardware interfaces, and system-level development, solving challenging problems close to the hardware in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field such as CS/CE/EE.
• Experience with C/C++/Python (or Rust) in coursework or projects.
• Familiarity with Linux and basic OS concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test software for Linux-based embedded devices.
• Contribute to embedded Linux tooling, system configuration, and user-space apps.
• Help develop and improve OTA software update capabilities.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Rust

Linux

Debugging

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Yocto

PetaLinux

Git

Job description

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the

ROLE OVERVIEW

Come help build the embedded systems powering Northwood’s next-generation ground stations! As an Embedded Software Engineering Intern, you’ll work alongside our hardware, firmware, and software engineers to develop and test embedded systems that connect our hardware and software platforms.

You’ll have

the opportunity

to work on real systems, contribute to production-relevant projects, and gain hands-on experience with embedded Linux, hardware interfaces, and system-level development. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working close to the hardware, solving challenging technical problems, and learning how complex systems are built from the ground up.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and test software for Linux-based embedded devices
• Contribute to embedded Linux tooling, system configuration, and user-space applications
• Help develop and improve over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities
• Debug software and hardware integration issues alongside firmware and hardware engineers
• Work with common hardware communication interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, and USB
• Use laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters to troubleshoot systems
• Write tests and documentation to improve the reliability and maintainability of embedded systems
• Collaborate with FPGA, electrical, firmware, and software engineers on system integration
• Own an internship project and present your work and learnings at the end of the internship

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience programming in C, C++, Rust, Python, or a similar language through coursework, projects, research, or previous internships
• Familiarity with Linux environments and command-line tools
• Understanding of fundamental computer architecture and operating system concepts
• Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or hardware/software interaction
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new technologies
• Ability to work collaboratively in a hands-on engineering environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with embedded Linux environments such as Yocto or PetaLinux
• Experience with common bus interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, or USB
• Experience with microcontrollers, development boards, or FPGA-based systems
• Familiarity with RTOS environments such as Zephyr or FreeRTOS
• Experience with networking fundamentals
• Experience programming in Rust
• Familiarity with Git and software development workflows