Firmware Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)

What the role needs

• We're looking for students who are hungry to learn, love building things, and want to see their code running on real hardware.
• What you’ll do
• Write and test embedded firmware for both bare metal microcontrollers and embedded linux devices, with guidance from the team.
• Own a scoped project that supports our core hardware.
• Work with communication protocols and peripherals to connect components across our systems.
• Help bring up and debug new boards alongside our electrical engineers.
• Support integration of firmware with hardware and higher-level software.
• Troubleshoot issues and work with the team to understand root cause and fixes.
• Work closely with our engineers, taking feedback and iterating quickly.
• Share progress clearly and ask questions early.
• Document your code, test results, and decisions so the team can build on your work after your internship.
• Work full-time onsite from our Torrance, CA office

From the employer

About Andrenam We’re building sonar and sensing systems that bring light to the last dark domain: the ocean. Our team includes alumni from SpaceX, Anduril, ABL, Palantir and Qualia. We build full-stack—from physics to perception to product—with speed, elegance, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. We believe the maritime domain will define the next century of economics, geopolitics, and global security. We're here to shape it. About this role Andrenam is seeking a Firmware Engineer Intern to join our team and work on the embedded software that runs our hardware. This is a hands-on internship focused on writing, testing, and debugging firmware for the sensing and autonomy systems we deploy in the ocean. You won't be sitting on the sidelines. You'll take on a real, scoped project that supports our core systems, work directly alongside the engineers who build them, and get regular feedback and mentorship as you go. You'll get real experience writing firmware that has to run reliably in harsh marine environments, which pose some interesting and challenging edge cases for mission critical software running on device. We're looking for students who are hungry to learn, love building things, and want to see their code running on real hardware. What you’ll do Firmware Development: • Write and test embedded firmware for both bare metal microcontrollers and embedded linux devices, with guidance from the team. • Own a scoped project that supports our core hardware. • Work with communication protocols and peripherals to connect components across our systems. Test and Troubleshooting: • Help bring up and debug new boards alongside our electrical engineers. • Support integration of firmware with hardware and higher-level software. • Troubleshoot issues and work with the team to understand root cause and fixes. Collaboration and Growth: • Work closely with our engineers, taking feedback and iterating quickly. • Share progress clearly and ask questions early. • Document your code, test results, and decisions so the team can build on your work after your internship. Location Work full-time onsite from our Torrance, CA office Qualifications • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. • Programming experience in C or C++. • Familiarity with microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32) or embedded linux devices (Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson, etc.) • Hands-on embedded experience through coursework, personal projects, or student engineering teams, with at least one project you can walk through in detail. • Strong problem-solving instincts and a willingness to dig into unfamiliar problems. • Clear communication and a track record of working well with others. Nice to have • Experience with communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN). • Comfortable with lab tools like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analyzers. • Experience on a student engineering team such as underwater robotics, SAE, or similar design-build competitions. • Interest in maritime systems, autonomy, or defense technology. Why join us? Andrenam is an innovative, mission-driven company at the intersection of maritime autonomy and defense. We offer: • Competitive salary • Lunch and snacks provided in office • Access to a unique work environment, blending technology, maritime, and defense. Salary Range $30-$40/hour The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Andrenam's total compensation package. Additionally, Andrenam offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Disclosures This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State without sponsorship for an export license. Andrenam is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. 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, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.