Firmware/Hardware Design Student

Daktronics; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Discount Program

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Daktronics offers a Firmware/Hardware Design Student internship in Rapid City, SD, with about 15–20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours in summer. You will gain hands-on experience in embedded systems, software/hardware testing, and prototype verification under mentorship.

The role requires enrollment in a Bachelor’s program in Electrical or Computer Engineering, with a focus on problem solving and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Student enrolled in at least 12 credits.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Sophomore or junior year preferred.
• GPA 3.0 or greater preferred.
• Unofficial transcripts required with application.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot existing designs.
• Assist in manual testing of hardware and software.
• Prototype verification and measuring circuit parameters.
• Create test reports and document designs.
• Develop/apply C, C++, Python, and/or VHDL/Verilog software.
• Leverage AI-assisted tools to accelerate debugging and analysis.
• Design/test fixtures and procedures.
• Complete quality work in a timely manner.

Skills

C

C++

Python

VHDL/Verilog

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Job description

Position Summary

Join Daktronics and be part of a team that creates cutting-edge digital LED display technology and audio systems. Experience the thrill of working on projects that bring excitement to sports events, attract customers worldwide, and guide people in their daily lives.

At Daktronics, you’ll engage in meaningful work and have the chance to grow both personally and professionally. Our internships and student positions offer hands‑on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of our products and industry practices.

You’ll have a mentor who will challenge you to find solutions, take initiative and develop a strong understanding of Daktronics products, practices, and procedures. We are committed to providing the resources and mentorship necessary to thrive in your position, ensuring you feel supported and are successful.

What will the work look like for me?

We will expose you to multiple facets of the embedded world. You will experience a professional business environment where you can sharpen your problem solving and testing skills and grow in your design abilities and processes. With your academic growth in the classroom, we seek to provide multiple experiences during your student career at Daktronics, which may mean rotating to different job responsibilities.

• Troubleshoot existing designs.


• Assist in manual testing of hardware and software.


• Prototype verification, such as:
  
  
  
  • Determine circuit parameters (i.e. ohms).
  
  
  • Taking measurements with a multi-meter and high-speed oscilloscope.
  
  
  
  


• Create test reports.


• Characterize video source components (i.e. cable length).


• Signal integrity testing.


• Documentation to support designs, fixtures, and procedures.


• Develop and support applications using C, C#, C++, VHDL/Verilog, and/or Python programming languages.


• Leverage AI-assisted tools to accelerate debugging, documentation, and exploratory analysis.


• Design and implement test fixtures and procedures.


• Complete quality work in a timely manner.


• Perform other projects and duties as needed to meet customer expectations.

When will I work?

Applicants should be available to work approximately 15 hours per week (maximum of 20 hours per week) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer.

Where is this opportunity located?

Position located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

What are the pay and perks?

The typical hiring range for this position is $24.00 to $26.00 per hour based on the location of Rapid City, South Dakota. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including relevant education, experiences, location, and applicable local legislation.

Students with GPA of 3.5 and above may be eligible for a $500 Academic Excellence Reward for each spring and fall semester completed while employed. Additional conditions may apply.

This position is eligible for a subset of our company benefits including employee discount program, employee assistance program, community donation program, unpaid time off, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, leaves, disability and accommodations. Information about Daktronics benefits can be found on our website Career Opportunities (daktronics.com) (https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/employment/careers). This information is intended to be a general overview and may be modified by Daktronics at any time.

Qualifications

To be considered for Firmware/Hardware Design Student, we require the following:

Academic Requirements:

• The preferred applicant will be a student registered in at least 12 credits


• Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.


• The preferred applicant will be in their sophomore or junior year of school


• Only strong academic performers will be considered and must maintain an acceptable GPA, preference to 3.0 GPA or greater.


• Unofficial transcripts or web transcripts must be submitted with application.

Other Requirements:

• Good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, self-motivation.


• Good problem solving and critical thinking skills.


• Ability to work with odors (solder/coating).


• Follow company policies.


• Work with little supervision.


• Regularly and reliably work scheduled hours.


• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.


• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older


• Daktronics does not sponsor, renew, or extend immigration visas for this position.

Desired traits

• Programming knowledge in C, C++, Python, and/or VHDL/Verilog.


• Familiarity with a multi-meter and high-speed oscilloscope.


• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts.


• Shown ability to work collaboratively on projects or with a partner/team.

Daktronics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.