Software Engineer Intern (Runtime, Robotics)

PlusAI; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 89,544; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered free lunch

Unlimited snacks and beverages

401(k) plan

Job summary

PlusAI, located in Santa Clara, California, is seeking an intern to help with the evolution of its robot’s communication backbone by integrating ROS2 into a high-performance software stack.

This role involves transitioning systems to modern middleware architectures, designing interoperability solutions, and conducting field engineering tasks. Applicants should have advanced proficiency in C++, familiarity with robotics middleware, and a keen interest in systems analysis.

The position offers a competitive salary of $19 - $65 an hour, along with a range of employee benefits including catered lunches and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong background in systems-level programming and modern software design patterns.
• Familiarity with ROS2 ecosystem, including Nodes, Pub/Sub, Services.
• Experience or interest in benchmarking software performance in Linux.

Responsibilities

• Transitioning systems toward ROS2 and DDS paradigms.
• Designing bridges and custom RMW configurations for hybrid environments.
• On-vehicle deployment, HIL testing, and performance optimization.

Skills

Advanced Proficiency in C++ (17 or later)

Robotics Middleware Knowledge

Systems Analysis

Job description

PlusAI is a Physical AI company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, Plus was named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV are working with Plus to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks. If you’re ready to make a huge impact and drive the future of autonomy, Plus is looking for talented individuals to join its fast-growing teams.

The intern will help spearhead the evolution of our robot’s communication backbone by integrating ROS2 into our high-performance software stack.

Responsibilities

• Modern Middleware Architectures: Transitioning systems toward ROS2 and DDS (Data Distribution Service) paradigms.
• System Interoperability: Designing bridges and custom RMW (ROS Middleware) configurations for hybrid environments.
• Field Engineering: On-vehicle deployment, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and performance optimization.

Required Skills

• Advanced Proficiency in C++ (17 or later): Strong background in systems-level programming and modern software design patterns.
• Robotics Middleware Knowledge: Familiarity with the ROS2 ecosystem (Nodes, Pub/Sub, Services) and an interest in how different transport layers handle data.
• Systems Analysis: Experience or interest in benchmarking software performance and identifying optimization opportunities, comfortable working in Linux environments and debugging hardware-software interfaces.
• Familiarity with robotics middleware (such as ROS, DDS, or Cyber RT) is highly preferred.

$19 - $65 an hour

Your opportunities joining PlusAI

Work, learn and grow in a highly future-oriented, innovative and dynamic field.

Wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Catered free lunch, unlimited snacks and beverages.

Highly competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k) plan.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.