Summer 2027 Intern - Embedded Firmware - 5810

Shield; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Housing stipend

Paid company holidays

Mentorship programs

Networking events

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Embedded Software Intern to develop and maintain avionics software for UAV platforms. You will collaborate with electrical, GNC, and autonomy AI teams to deliver integrated software that interfaces with modern sensors and flight systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on coding, documentation, and cross-functional coordination within a fast-growing defense-tech environment. A housing stipend and relocation support may be available for eligible interns.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of coursework toward a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong C/C++ background with embedded software experience.
• Experience in bare-metal firmware development for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with git and build systems (CMake or similar).

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality C/C++ code for UAV avionics.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Integrate software from multiple departments including firmware and GCS.
• Develop software interfaces to sensors, subsystems, and payloads.
• Coordinate software development across multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded

CI/CD

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Coursework toward degree

Tools

Verilog

VHDL

CMake

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

Our Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for Fall and Spring graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!

The Embedded Software team is a motivated group of engineers focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the Autonomy AI team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications.

As a member of the Embedded Software team, you will develop and maintain software architectures, generate and maintain all levels of software requirements, document and present software designs, and coordinate software development across multi-disciplinary teams.

What You’ll Do

• Develop high-quality C/C++ code
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS)
• Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub-systems, and payloads
• Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of coursework towards a degree in a related field (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineer)
• Strong C/C++ background
• Experience in bare-metal firmware development for embedded systems
• Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & unit testing to assure software quality
• Familiarity with common version control (git) and build systems (CMake, or similar)
• Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
• Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings. School projects are applicable experience.
• Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
• Classroom or project experience in developing code (Verilog, VHDL) for FPGAs

$37 - $97 an hour

$37- $97 an hour - Your salary will be determined by academic level.

Pay is just one part of your total rewards package at Shield AI. You may also be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs. As an intern, you will receive the opportunity to attend presentations from company leaders, social and networking events, as well as mentorship from current Shield AI Engineers. Interns are also eligible for paid company holidays.

Shield AI is proud to offer competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. While our People Experience team provides resources and assistance, interns are responsible to find their own housing and travel to and from their office location.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.