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Embedded System Engineer Internship Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Sophia Space

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Our work sits at the intersection of aerospace systems, advanced computing, and applied physics ... Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer (Avionics / Platform Interface) Level: Engineer IV Location: In ...

General Matter

Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Debug real-world embedded systems using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and ... Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals * Ability to perform trade studies and make clear ...

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All JobsEmbedded System Engineer JobsEmbedded System Engineer Internship JobsEmbedded System Engineer Internship Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Embedded System Engineer Internship information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$68.2K

$149.7K

$209.4K

How much do embedded system engineer internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system engineer internship in Pasadena, CA is $149,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,600.00 and $178,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded system engineer internship?

Embedded System Engineer Internships are temporary positions designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in designing, developing, and testing embedded systems. Interns typically work with microcontrollers, sensors, and real-time operating systems to help build products like consumer electronics, automotive systems, or IoT devices. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience in both hardware and software aspects of embedded systems, making them an excellent starting point for a career in embedded engineering.

What kinds of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during an embedded system engineer internship?

As an Embedded System Engineer Intern, you will typically be involved in tasks such as assisting with firmware development, testing and debugging embedded software, and supporting hardware integration efforts. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced engineers, contributing to real-world projects like sensor interfacing, microcontroller programming, or system validation. Expect a combination of hands-on technical work and learning opportunities designed to build your understanding of embedded systems. This role also encourages teamwork and communication, as you may participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and project meetings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded system engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded System Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like C/C++, basic electronics, and embedded systems concepts, often supported by coursework in computer engineering or related fields. Familiarity with microcontroller platforms (such as ARM or Arduino), debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and tackle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for successfully contributing to embedded projects and adapting quickly to real-world engineering environments.

What is the difference between Embedded System Engineer Internship vs Embedded Software Developer Internship?

AspectEmbedded System Engineer InternshipEmbedded Software Developer Internship
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with focus on software development
Work EnvironmentHands-on hardware and firmware development, working with microcontrollers and embedded devicesPrimarily software coding, testing, and debugging embedded applications
Industry UsageUsed in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and IoTCommon in tech companies, startups, and embedded systems firms
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in hardware-software integration roles in embedded systemsFocused on software development within embedded environments

While both internships involve embedded systems, the Embedded System Engineer Internship emphasizes hardware and firmware work, whereas the Embedded Software Developer Internship centers on software coding and debugging. Your choice depends on whether you prefer working with hardware components or software development within embedded systems.

Is there a demand for embedded system engineer internships?

There is a strong and growing demand for embedded system engineer internships as industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and IoT expand. Internships in this field often require knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, and familiarity with microcontrollers and real-time operating systems enhances employability. Companies seek interns to support development, testing, and integration of embedded systems, making these internships valuable for gaining practical experience in a competitive job market.

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Embedded System Engineer Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded System Engineer Internship job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,739 per year, or $72 per hour.

Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Horizon Surgical Systems, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Open Position - Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer
Horizon Surgical Systems Inc.
Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. is revolutionizing the world of surgical ophthalmology by developing a novel, AI driven, and imaging-guided surgical robotic system. Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. aims to expand access to care, provide superior capabilities to the human surgeon, and enhance patient outcomes. Microsurgery in general and Ophthalmology are subfields of surgery for which the surgical outcomes can be significantly improved by robotic systems to allow superior dexterity, precision, accuracy, and visualization beyond the human surgeon's own capabilities.
We are seeking highly motivated, and intellectually inquisitive individuals looking to make a positive impact on healthcare via the development of robotic technology. The core values of Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. are:
  • Commitment to Excellence: We aim to deliver superior patient outcomes and surgeon experiences
  • Passion for Creativity and Innovation: We are driven by new ideas and aim to push the boundaries of what's possible
  • Teamwork and Camaraderie: We achieve our best when we collaborate and work together
  • Welcoming of Critical Opinion: We are enriched by constructive criticism and support the best ideas
  • Personal Accountability: We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions

Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. offers:
  • An opportunity to build autonomous surgical robotic systems driven by image guidance and AI technology for the future of affordable, high-quality healthcare.
  • The opportunity to work alongside clinicians, engineers, and global leaders in cutting-edge AI, imaging, and robotics technology.
  • Competitive compensation and an excellent company-paid benefits package.
Role Description
In your role as an Embedded Software Engineer at Horizon Surgical Systems, you will contribute to the architecture and design of a cutting-edge surgical robotics system, implementing and verifying mission-critical software modules. The ability to enforce deterministic timing, and fail-safe behaviors, in the controls software is paramount to its clinical efficacy and regulatory approval. You will be responsible for supporting a robotic system with EtherCAT servo drives and redundant control-diagnostic checks, and so you will be debugging issues with peripheral hardware, Linux kernel latency, and real-time safety. Working closely with the hardware team, you will work to bring up new peripherals, and you will need to consider the fail-safe implications in the event of motor controller failure. Your development and testing will be performed primarily with Linux, and embedded targets where required to interface with hardware. The ability to optimize code for a true RTOS on a microcontroller as well as for PREEMPT_RT Linux, and to design protocols between these environments, is especially valuable for this role.
Required Qualifications & Abilities:
Educational Background:
  • Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Technical Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ (at least C++11) is a must.
  • Ability to write real-time C / C++ on a bare-metal embedded system, or with FreeRTOS / SafeRTOS / QNX.
  • Ability to implement and optimize control loops that integrate servo drives.

Experience:
  • 5+ years of developing C++ robotics software that interfaces with hardware.
  • 5+ years deploying and testing Linux software and RTOS or bare-metal firmware environment.
  • Prior experience working on mission-critical software.
  • Prior experience with medical device development is a plus.

Knowledge:
  • Ability to independently implement Linux user-space drivers and custom wire interface protocols for controls data. (Kernel development experience is not required, but you should be comfortable designing a servo drive control daemon from scratch.)
  • Ability to analyze latency and jitter of high-frequency data in a distributed system.
  • Working knowledge of typical embedded protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, etc.).
  • Experience with CANOpen (DS-402) servo drive control, or EtherCAT, strongly preferred.
  • Experience with some formal software or motion control safety standard (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61800-5-2), and/or software verification by an independent safety certifying body, is advantageous.
  • Experience with motor control for serial robotic manipulators is preferred.
  • Experience with kinematics and rigid-body dynamics is helpful for collaborating on control algorithms which use the servo drives that you integrate.
  • Ability to read electrical schematics in collaboration with PCB design engineers.

Soft Skills:
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • Good communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including software engineers, electrical/mechanical engineers, and product managers.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and adapt to new challenges.

Other Requirements:
  • Comfortable working in a lab or workshop environment alongside surgical robotic systems.
  • Ability to work on-site for hands-on software integration.

Responsibilities:
  • Software Implementation:
    • Designing, implementing, and testing embedded and Linux controls software for multiple generations of surgical robotic systems.
    • Performing device failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for the hardware / software boundary, and implementing appropriate diagnostics to mitigate risks.
  • Integration & Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance of software modules.
    • Engage in pair programming, code reviews, and design discussions to maintain high coding standards.
  • Testing & Reliability:
    • Test your software with and without hardware, implementing the appropriate virtual fixtures where it saves time and aids in automation.
    • Strive for the simplest possible, most easily testable software design, to make unit- and integration-test coverage seamless.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-tech startup that is poised to revolutionize surgical robotics in ophthalmology.

Apply