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Hardware Engineering Intern Jobs in Waterloo, ON

All JobsHardware Engineering Intern JobsHardware Engineering Intern Jobs in Waterloo, ON

Hardware Engineering Intern information

See Waterloo, ON salary details

$9

$35

$80

How much do hardware engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware engineering intern in Waterloo, ON is $35.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.81 and $52.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware engineering intern do?

A Hardware Engineering Intern assists experienced engineers in designing, testing, and troubleshooting electronic hardware components such as circuit boards, processors, and other devices. Their responsibilities often include building prototypes, running simulations, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting results. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and learn about the product development lifecycle. This role is ideal for students pursuing degrees in electrical or computer engineering who want to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware engineering intern?

To thrive as a Hardware Engineering Intern, you generally need a solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, circuit design, and familiarity with hardware components, typically supported by progress toward a relevant degree. Experience with tools like CAD software (e.g., Altium, OrCAD), basic programming skills, and lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and multimeters is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart in this role. These combined skills are critical for contributing to hardware development projects and ensuring reliable, innovative product design.

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

As a Hardware Engineering Intern, you can expect to work on a range of hands-on projects such as circuit design, prototyping, PCB layout, and testing hardware components. Interns often assist with debugging and analyzing hardware issues, supporting product development teams, and documenting test results. You'll likely collaborate closely with experienced engineers, gaining exposure to the full hardware development lifecycle and participating in design reviews or team meetings. This experience not only builds technical skills but also provides insight into working as part of a cross-functional engineering team.

What is the difference between Hardware Engineering Intern vs Electrical Engineering Intern?

AspectHardware Engineering InternElectrical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical, Electronics, or Computer EngineeringEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and developing hardware components and systemsWorking on electrical systems, circuit design, and power systems
Industry UsageElectronics manufacturing, hardware development companiesPower, electronics, and electrical systems industries
Common Search/ComparisonHardware Engineering InternElectrical Engineering Intern

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and are found in electronics and hardware industries. The main difference lies in focus: Hardware Engineering Interns concentrate on physical hardware design and testing, while Electrical Engineering Interns may work more broadly on electrical systems and power applications. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates target their job search effectively.

What cities near Waterloo, ON are hiring for Hardware Engineering Intern jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, ON with the most Hardware Engineering Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Hardware Engineering Intern job openings in Waterloo, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,273 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Engineering Intern (Labs)

Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation

Waterloo, ON

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Canadian Strategic Missions Corporationis a space and defence company focused on developing dual-use solutions for delivering unmatched capabilities on this planet and others. CSMC is developing a micro nuclear reactor for remote applications like the Arctic, defence, and space exploration. Led by a team with a mix of entrepreneurial and institutional experience at the highest level, we are a bleeding-edge company, working at the intersection of energy, geology/geophysics, health technologies, space systems, quantum technologies, and imagineering.


We'renotgonnado it alone though, andwe'rehiringanEngineering Intern. Our team is developing next-generation quantum technologies and taking them off the optical bench and into the real world-ultimately onto high-altitude flight platforms. Working directly with engineering leads and cross-functional project teams, the successful candidate will help transform laboratory prototypes into ruggedized field-ready systems capable of operating in harsh environments. The position will support activities including hardware integration, mechanical and electrical design, environmental testing, software development, field deployment, and continuous improvement of advanced quantum sensing platforms.


Main Responsibilities

  • Assistin the design, assembly, and ruggedization of optical, mechanical, and electrical hardware for field and flight applications.
  • Support the development of flight-ready hardware, including bonded and low-CTE optical mounts, fiber coupling, staking, potting, and vibration damping solutions.
  • Design ruggedized enclosures, fixtures, and transport cases using CAD software, and fabricate components using 3D printing and machining techniques.
  • Build, integrate, and troubleshoot electronic systems, including signal conditioning, microcontroller interfacing,connectorization, and wiring.
  • Develop Python scripts for hardware control, telemetry, automation, and data logging.
  • Support vibration, shock, thermal, and environmental testing, documenting results and implementing design improvements.
  • Assistin preparing, transporting, setting up, and debugging hardware during field testing and demonstration activities.
  • Maintainaccuratetechnical documentation, test procedures, assembly records, and engineering reports.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex mechanical, electrical, and integration challenges.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of hardware designs, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies.


Qualifications, Experience,Knowledgeand Skills Essential

  • Currently pursuing a fourth-year bachelor's degree or a graduate degree (Master's or PhD) in Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Hands-on experience building physical systems through academic projects, student design teams, research, or personal projects (e.g., rocketry, UAVs, Formula SAE, high-altitude balloons, robotics, or similar).
  • Experience working with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and basic electronic circuits.
  • Proficiencyin Python for hardware control, automation, or data acquisition.
  • Experience with CAD software and additive manufacturing (3D printing), with strong mechanical design intuition.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot integrated hardware systems.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Highly detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple technical tasks simultaneously.


Assets

  • Experience with optomechanical systems or precision instrumentation.
  • Familiarity with environmental qualification testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, or vacuum testing.
  • Experience with RF systems, sensors, or instrumentation.
  • Previousexperience supporting flight hardware, payloads, aerospace systems, or other ruggedized hardware development.


*Ability and willingness to travel between Waterloo and Toronto as required.


Employment Eligibility

CSMC works withhighly sensitivenuclear,defence, and aerospace technologies, and all roles require eligibility for federal security screening and compliance with controlled goods and export regulations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, able to obtain andmaintainGovernment of Canada security clearance, and eligible to meet foreign affiliation and export control requirements. These conditions aremandatoryBona Fide Occupational Requirements and reflect the need to securely develop and protect nationally significant capabilities.


CSMC is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity and inclusion. We want to hear from unique candidates.


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