Robotics Embedded Software Intern: C/C++ & ROS 2

DefTech; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Gecko Robotics is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to join RoboSPLAT within Field Infra in Pittsburgh for Summer 2027. This is a full-time, onsite internship, Monday through Friday.

You will work primarily in C/C++ and Python on a defined project that improves system integration, diagnostics, testing, or development workflows. RoboSPLAT builds software and tools to develop, deploy, debug, and operate Gecko’s robotic and UT collection systems.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in EE, CE, CS, or related field with expected graduation Dec 2027–May 2028.
• Ability to work onsite in Pittsburgh, full Summer 2027 internship, Monday–Friday.
• Foundational programming experience in C/C++ and Python, including OOP.
• Familiarity with Git or similar version control systems.
• Understanding of basic computer networking.
• Strong written and verbal communication, documenting work and collaborating on ambiguous problems.
• Ability to close knowledge gaps, stay organized, and learn from feedback.

Responsibilities

• Develop C/C++ and Python software for a defined embedded project under guidance.
• Build or improve tooling, diagnostics, tests, or workflows for robot hardware.
• Work across software and system boundaries by integrating services or hardware interfaces, testing, and documenting findings.
• Use version control, code review, and debugging practices to produce maintainable code.
• Collaborate with RoboSPLAT and partner teams, communicate status and tradeoffs, deliver final demo and handoff.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Git

Networking

ROS 2

Education

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

Tools

Yocto Project

NVIDIA Jetson Orin

Cloud (GCP)

Electron/React/TypeScript

Job description

What We Do

Gecko Robotics is helping the world’s most important organizations ensure the availability, reliability, and sustainability of critical infrastructure. Gecko's complete and connected solutions combine wall-climbing robots, industry-leading sensors, and an AI-powered data platform to provide customerswith a unique window into the current and future health of their physical assets. This enables real-time decision making to increase the efficiency and safety of operations, promote mission readiness, and protect the environment and civilization from the effects of infrastructure failure.

Role at a Glance

Gecko Robotics is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to join RoboSPLAT within Field Infra in Pittsburgh for Summer 2027. This is a full-time, onsite internship, Monday through Friday.

RoboSPLAT builds software and tools that help teams develop, deploy, debug, and operate Gecko’s robotic and ultrasonic testing (UT) collection systems. You will work primarily in C/C++ and Python on a defined project that improves system integration, diagnostics, testing, or development workflows.

What you will do

• Develop C/C++ and Python software for a defined embedded software project under the guidance of experienced engineers.

• Build or improve tooling, diagnostics, tests, or workflows that reduce friction in developing, debugging, and deploying software on robot hardware.

• Work across software and system boundaries by integrating services or hardware-facing interfaces, investigating system behavior, testing solutions, and documenting findings.

• Use version control, code review, and structured debugging practices to produce maintainable code.

• Collaborate with RoboSPLAT and partner teams, communicate status and tradeoffs clearly, and deliver a final demonstration and handoff.

Technologies We Use (If Applicable)

C/C++, Python, Git, Linux, networking, and ROS 2. Depending on the project, you may also work with the Yocto Project, NVIDIA Jetson Orin, cloud infrastructure, or Electron, React, and TypeScript.

About You

You are a hands-on engineering student who wants to understand how software behaves on real hardware. You work methodically, seek out missing knowledge, communicate clearly, and care about building tools and systems that others can use.

Required Skills

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related engineering discipline, with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and May 2028.

• Ability to work onsite in Pittsburgh, Monday through Friday, for the full Summer 2027 internship.

• Foundational programming experience in C/C++ and Python, including object-oriented programming.

• Working familiarity with Git or similar version control systems.

• Understanding of basic computer networking.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical work, explain findings and tradeoffs, and collaborate on ambiguous problems.

• Ability to independently close knowledge gaps, stay organized, and learn from feedback.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with ROS 2.

• Familiarity with embedded Linux systems or platforms such as the Yocto Project or NVIDIA Jetson Orin.

• Exposure to cloud infrastructure, preferably GCP.

• Experience building applications with Electron, React, or TypeScript.

• Exposure to embedded communication protocols, microcontrollers, or real-time operating systems is a plus.

• Ability to work with basic electronic systems, read simple schematics, and use common lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and programmable power supplies.

Who We Are

At Gecko, our people are our greatest investment. In addition to competitive compensation packages, we offer company equity, 401(k) matching, gender-neutral parental leave, full medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health, ongoing professional development, family planning assistance, and flexible paid time off.

Gecko values collaboration, innovation, and partnership, and we believe we do our best work when we're together in person. We’re an office-first culture but understand that sometimes you may need to work from home. Many people are in the office five days a week, others need a bit moreflexibility. Ultimately, we care about the outcomes we achieve - and creating a culture of autonomy and trust that enables that impact.

Gecko is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe it is our collective responsibility to uphold these values and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to join us in our mission to protect today’s infrastructure and give form to tomorrow’s. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law. If you are passionate about what you do and want to use your talents to support our critical mission, we’d love to hear from you.