Automation Developer Intern Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Join Generac’s Residential Power Electronics team as a Firmware Engineering Intern in Reno, NV, and help power the future of clean energy.

In this hands‑on role, you’ll contribute to embedded firmware development for new products, support existing systems, and gain real lab experience testing physical hardware. It’s a great opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real‑world engineering challenges while working with cutting‑edge technology and experienced teams. This internship is 5 days a week on‑site in Reno, NV.

• Support firmware development for embedded controllers using C and C++.
• Assist with creating and maintaining firmware modules and supporting documentation.
• Contribute to test specification development for new systems and firmware.
• Conduct and evaluate firmware and hardware testing in the lab.
• Participate in design reviews and learn from experienced firmware engineers.
• Use simulation tools and Python scripting for tooling and automation tasks.
• Support troubleshooting of designs alongside cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Take ownership of a defined project that delivers tangible value to the team by the end of the internship.

• Embedded firmware development for real‑world residential power electronics products.
• Hands‑on lab testing methodologies for firmware and hardware integration.
• How firmware engineering integrates with broader system design (engines, transfer switches, alternators, and other core engineering teams).
• Industry tools and practices for firmware build, deployment, version control, and CI/CD.
• The fundamentals of clean energy product development at Generac.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• Coursework or project experience in embedded programming with C or C++.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly in writing and verbally.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on lab environment.

• Familiarity with Python for scripting or automation.
• Prior project experience with physical embedded systems (academic, personal, or internship).
• Exposure to CI/CD concepts or version control tools (Git).
• Coursework or interest in residential power electronics, energy systems, or controls.
• Interest in clean energy technology.
• Willingness to learn AI tools in a production development environment.

• Ability to perform detail‑oriented work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to translate technical information to varied audiences.
• Foundational understanding of engineering principles.
• Comfortable with structured problem‑solving and willing to ask questions.
• Growing knowledge of communication protocols and hardware interfaces.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer‑based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.