IAE Electrical Engineering Internship - Fall 2026

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

The University of South Florida is offering an Electrical Engineering Internship for Fall 2026. Interns will assist in developing and testing electrical systems for defense technology. The position requires U.S. citizenship, enrollment in a relevant Bachelor's program, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

This in-person internship pays $18.50 per hour, requiring 15-20 hours per week during semesters and will allow engagement in team-building and career exploration opportunities.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, Junior or Senior level with GPA 3.0 or above.
• Knowledge of embedded programming, power electronics, and control systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, development, and testing of electrical systems.
• Support integration of embedded systems and sensors into platforms.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies and electrical components.
• Participate in hardware troubleshooting and circuit design activities.
• Engage with engineers and project teams for innovative solutions.

Skills

Embedded programming

Power electronics

Control systems

Microsoft Office applications

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or Physics

Job description

Electrical Engineering Internship – Fall 2026

SOFWERX is a venue operated under an agreement between the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and DefenseWERX, designed to increase collaboration and innovation to solve the most difficult warfighter problems. SOFWERX is a forum for accelerating delivery of innovative capability and facilitating capability refinement through exploration, experimentation, and assessment of promising technology. SOFWERX is located in the heart of Ybor City, at a neutral, easily accessible facility.

The internship program is administered by the USF Institute of Applied Engineering. Upon hire, you will be considered both a USF IAE temporary employee and a SOFWERX student intern.

Because this internship is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and may involve access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.

Time Commitment

• Hours of operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
• This position requires a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters, and a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 29 hours per week during the Summer semester.
• This internship is in‑person with limited remote work opportunities.

Opportunities

• Engage in employee events, such as team building.
• Build resume and explore career options.
• Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace.
• Upon completion of the internship, a letter of recommendation can be provided upon request.
• Opportunity for follow‑on internship based on performance.

Pay Rate: $18.50 per hour

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, development, and testing of electrical systems for defense‑related technologies and prototypes.
• Support integration of embedded systems, sensors, and control electronics into robotic or communication platforms.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies, electrical components, and power systems relevant to SOFWERX projects.
• Participate in hardware troubleshooting, circuit design, and system validation activities.
• Engage with engineers, subject matter experts, and project teams to contribute to innovative, real‑world solutions.
• Participate in weekly market research and submit entries on new technologies, components, or companies that could support future innovation.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
• Junior or Senior level, with a current GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Knowledge of embedded programming, power electronics, and control systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) is a plus.
• Experience working with a variety of engineering students.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills; high level of integrity, accuracy, dependability, enthusiasm, and confidentiality.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.