As a Spotter Firmware Engineering Intern, you will help build the embedded software that powers the Spotter platform. In this role, you’ll work closely with experienced firmware and hardware engineers to develop, test, and improve low-power embedded systems that operate in some of the harshest environments on Earth. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world ocean technology while contributing to a global ocean sensing network.

Summer 2026: June 29 - August 21st. We ask for a minimum of 10 weeks.

International students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week.

Possible projects:

• Increase the number of nodes that a real Bristlemouth network can support

• Building Bristlemouth file transfer applications

And more! There are many impactful projects on the to-do list - we want to hear what you'd love to work on!

Responsibilities

• Get familiar with the Spotter hardware and firmware code

• Design test scenarios that isolate key issues

• Modify configurations and firmware applications to implement tests

• Analyze data from soak tests

• Debug electrical problems

• Debug and optimize network traffic hot code paths

• Collaborate with the firmware team to overcome issues

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Experience writing C/C++ firmware to run on microcontrollers

• Experience handling embedded hardware boards like Arduino and Raspberry Pi

• Available to work for 10 weeks in San Francisco.

Bonus Points

• Publicly posted hardware and software projects on sites like hackster.io

• Pursuing degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics

• A passion for or connection to the Oceans

Estimated Salary Range:

• $25-28/hr

• The range listed is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may be modified in the future. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, and equity package.