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Hardware Development Intern Jobs in Champaign, IL

Hardware Development Intern information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do hardware development intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware development intern in Champaign, IL is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hardware Development Intern vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Development InternHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, collaborative teams in tech companies or startupsFull-time roles, responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining hardware systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, and research labs for training and developmentUsed across industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications for product development

The main difference between a Hardware Development Intern and a Hardware Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns typically assist with projects, learn on the job, and are in training, while Hardware Engineers take on full project responsibilities, design hardware, and oversee development processes.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a hardware development intern expect during their internship?

As a Hardware Development Intern, you can expect to engage in hands-on tasks such as circuit design, prototyping, and testing of electronic components. Interns often support senior engineers by assisting with schematic capture, PCB layout, and troubleshooting hardware issues. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, like software or mechanical engineering, is common to ensure seamless product integration. You'll also have opportunities to participate in design reviews and contribute to documentation, gaining exposure to the full product development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware development intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Development Intern, you generally need a background in electrical or computer engineering, strong analytical skills, and basic knowledge of circuit design and hardware components. Familiarity with CAD tools, PCB design software (such as Altium Designer or Eagle), and laboratory instrumentation is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with engineering teams and learn quickly. These skills and qualities are essential to contribute effectively to hardware projects and gain valuable hands-on experience in technology development.

What does a hardware development intern do?

A Hardware Development Intern assists in designing, testing, and improving electronic hardware components and systems. Their responsibilities may include working with circuit boards, running simulations, assembling prototypes, and troubleshooting hardware issues under the supervision of senior engineers. Interns often collaborate with cross-functional teams and use specialized tools to ensure the hardware meets performance and quality standards. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to the product development lifecycle in the tech industry.
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Development Intern jobs in Champaign, IL? For Hardware Development Intern jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Hardware Development Intern jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Hardware Development Intern job openings:

PhD Research Intern, System Software and I/O Architecture - Fall 2026

Nvidia

Champaign, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies


Job description

We are now looking for a PhD Research Intern with a focus in System Software and I/O Architecture!


NVIDIA is seeking Research Intern with a focus in System Software and System I/O Architecture to contribute to the development of future fast, scalable storage accesses by GPU threads. Scalable systems in a post-Moore world require co-optimization of architecture, runtime systems, operating systems, and compilers, to achieve high throughput while improving energy efficiency. We are seeking candidates with a proven track record of research excellence, systems-building experience, a broad perspective across the field of system software, inference and database GPU systems, depth in I/O system software, I/O systems architectures, deep knowledge in GPU architecture, proficiency in CUDA programming, programming large-scale clusters, and experience in profiling and system performance analysis tools. NVIDIA has pioneered programmable GPUs and the CUDA language, and is a world leader in high-performance and AI computing technology, with ambitious plans for future processors. This position offers you the opportunity to have a real impact in a multifaceted, technology-focused company.


What you'll be doing:

  • Develop novel architectures and system software implementations to enable scalable multi-GPU platforms.
  • Understand and analyze the interplay between application, operating systems, CPU and GPU architectures, and efficient algorithm designs.
  • Collaborate with a diverse set of teams across the company, spanning software research, hardware engineering, and product groups.
  • Publish original research and speak at conferences and events.

What we need to see:

  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in CE/CS/EE or similar program area.
  • Research experience in computer architecture, operating systems, system administration, compilers, and/or HPC.
  • Research experience designing and optimizing accelerated computing applications, with expertise in areas such as LLM inference, GPU-native database engines, and vector similarity search algorithms.
  • Demonstrated expertise in one specific area of the above topics with the ability to become the go-to resource within a team from differing backgrounds.
  • Experience with experimental computer architecture research, software infrastructure development and evaluation.
  • A track record of well-documented open-source software release.
  • Ability to work with emerging workloads such as recommender systems, graph analytics, and data frames.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience with C, C++, CUDA, Python, Rust, and scripting languages. MPI and NCCL would be a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and being a creative and dynamic presenter is a huge advantage.
  • A strong publication, patent, presentation, and research collaboration history is highly valuable.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and productive people in the world working for us. If you're creative and collaborative researcher, we want to hear from you!

Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay based on the position, your location, year in school, degree, and experience. The hourly rate for our interns is 30 USD - 94 USD.

You will also be eligible for Internbenefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 28, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.#deeplearning

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993