Software Engineering Intern

SICK, Inc.; Canton (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

SICK, Inc. in Canton, MA is offering a 2027 summer internship focused on hands-on software design and the lifecycle support of SICK products. You will work on real projects within a multinational team, gaining insight into product development and testing processes.

The role emphasizes learning, collaboration across departments, and delivering a final project presentation. Interns will explore AI-assisted development tools and modern testing practices to enhance product performance.

Qualifications

• Current student enrolled in an accredited university/college program in Electrical, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong computer and math skills are required.
• Experience with C, C++, or Java is required.
• Some design and development experience with script-based languages such as Lua, Python or JavaScript.
• Familiarity with image processing and/or machine vision algorithms (OpenCV or PCL).
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks is preferred.
• Comfortable using AI tools to assist code generation, debugging, documentation, and rapid prototyping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; self-directed and able to work without supervision.

Responsibilities

• Work on a chosen project with the assistance of the manager, mentor, and team.
• Collaborate with the manager and mentor to understand systems, processes, and key information.
• Interact with other departments and interns to learn about products and operations.
• Provide innovative recommendations to improve processes and products.
• Deliver a final presentation outlining the project and knowledge gained.
• Complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Plan, develop and execute tests to verify software operation and performance.

Skills

C/C++/Java

Lua/Python/JS

OpenCV

Image processing

AI tools

Education

High school diploma

Enrollment in Electrical/Software/CS program

Tools

Git

Cursor IDE

Copilot

Job description

Mission of the Role

This internship will take place for the 2027 summer season and will be located at our Canton, MA office.

An intern at SICK is involved in the day-to-day activities within the business through immersion into different projects. The intern will have the opportunity to work within a team to gain knowledge and first-hand experience of what a career in this industry would be like. This position has primary responsibility for hands‑on design and support of SICK products through entire product lifecycle. The Software Engineer will use their skills to capture customer requirements, devise appropriate solutions and evaluate results for function, reliability, and performance. Work with a multi‑national team to design new product offerings and enhance performance of existing production lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on a chosen project with the assistance of the manager, mentor, and team.
• Work closely with the manager and a selected mentor to understand systems, processes, and key information.
• Actively seek out information to learn how SICK operates as a business (products, departments, etc.).
• Interface with other departments and interns to gain knowledge of the business, products, positions and more.
• Provide innovative recommendations on how SICK can improve.
• Complete a final presentation at the close of the internship that outlines the involved project(s) and knowledge gained.
• Provide feedback on the internship experience at the close of the internship.
• Ability to design code to meet software requirements with limited supervision.
• Plan, develop and execute tests to verify the operation, reliability, and performance of targeted product and or systems.
• Ensure that product quality and reliability requirements are incorporated into the design.
• Contribute to project teams involving cross‑functional participants.
• Develop and execute projects in the product development process in full compliance with all design control, quality, and company regulations and national and international regulatory body requirements. This could include the understanding of change control, validation, documentation practices, and design control requirements.
• Regular attendance and timeliness.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or required.

Key Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited university/college program in Electrical, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong computer and math skills.
• Experience with C, C++, or Java.
• Some design and development experience with script‑based languages such as Lua, Python or JavaScript.
• Familiarity with image processing and/or machine vision algorithms. Experience with OpenCV or PCL.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks.
• Familiarity with modern AI‑assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Cursor IDE to enhance productivity, code quality, and learning.
• Comfortable leveraging AI tools for code generation, debugging, documentation, and rapid prototyping in collaborative environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑directed and able to work without supervision.
• Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas.
• Zero‑two years of professional experience in software design for product development.
• Some Image Processing or Dimensioning Algorithm experience.
• Strong analytical, design, debugging and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to participate in multidiscipline projects and report status to project leaders and management.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to thoroughly understand technical issues and propose solutions to resolve issues.
• *This position is not eligible for sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation

The base salary is one part of our Total Rewards package and is determined within a range. The starting base salary range for this position is listed below; the actual starting salary will be based on a variety of factors including experience, skill set, education, performance, licenses/certifications, business needs and other job‑related factors, as permitted by law.

• Starting Base Annual Salary Range: $26 - $36 per hour