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Hardware Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intern - Device Build

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

About the role This is a hands-on hardware internship. You'll build, test, and ship the devices that fly in real aircraft at university flight schools and military squadrons. Every unit you assemble ...

About the role We're seeking motivated RF Hardware interns to contribute to the development and validation of RF systems for our cutting-edge sensing technology. Depending on your experience ...

Internship, undergraduate research, senior design project, or personal project experience involving electronic hardware or PCB design. Familiarity with analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronic ...

Desired Qualifications: • Internship, undergraduate research, senior design project, or personal project experience involving electronic hardware or PCB design. • Familiarity with analog, digital ...

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Hardware Internship information

What is a hardware internship?

A hardware internship is a temporary, hands-on work experience offered to students or recent graduates interested in computer hardware, electronics, or related engineering fields. Interns typically assist with designing, testing, assembling, and troubleshooting electronic components or systems under the supervision of experienced engineers. This type of internship provides valuable practical skills, industry exposure, and insight into real-world hardware development processes, helping interns build their resumes and prepare for full-time roles in hardware engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a hardware internship?

As a hardware intern, you can expect to work on hands-on projects such as circuit design, PCB layout, hardware testing, and prototyping under the guidance of experienced engineers. You'll often assist with debugging hardware issues, preparing technical documentation, and collaborating with software and mechanical teams to integrate and validate systems. Interns may also participate in team meetings and present progress updates, providing valuable exposure to the full product development lifecycle. This role offers a great opportunity to build practical skills, network with professionals, and gain insight into potential career paths in hardware engineering.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Intern, you typically need a background in electrical or computer engineering, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of circuit design and hardware troubleshooting. Familiarity with CAD tools, PCB design software, and lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and multimeters is often required. Attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help interns contribute to team projects. These skills and qualities are important because they enable interns to support hardware development processes efficiently and grow in a technical, collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Hardware Internship vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware InternshipHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; professional certifications are a plus
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, temporary, or part-time roles often within tech companies, startups, or manufacturing firmsFull-time, permanent roles involving design, development, testing, and troubleshooting hardware systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by students and companies for training and talent scouting in electronics and hardware sectorsUsed by companies for product development, R&D, and hardware system management

In summary, a Hardware Internship is an entry-level, temporary position aimed at gaining practical experience, while a Hardware Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and developing hardware systems. Internships often serve as a stepping stone toward a career as a Hardware Engineer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware jobs in California?

The most popular types of Hardware jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hardware Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Hardware Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

NVIDIA 2027 Internships: Ph.D. Research Hardware

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

By submitting your resume, you acknowledge that your Ph.D. Research Hardware internship application will be processed in accordance with NVIDIA's Applicant Privacy Policy and you agree to our Terms of Service. We'll review resumes on an ongoing basis, and a recruiter may reach out if your experience fits one of our many internship opportunities.

NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing to tackle challenges no one else can solve. Our work in AI and digital twins is transforming the world's largest industries and profoundly impacting society - from gaming to robotics, self-driving cars to life-saving healthcare, climate change to virtual worlds where we can all connect and create.

Our internships offer an excellent opportunity to expand your career and get hands on experience with one of our industry leading Hardware teams.We'reseekingstrategic, ambitious, hard-working,collaborative,and creative individuals who are passionate about helping us tackle challenges no one else can solve.

Learn more aboutResearch at NVIDIA.

What you will be doing:

  • Design and implement novel approaches to circuit and VLSI design, including ASIC development and advanced EDA methodologies.

  • Collaborate with other team members, teams, and/or external researchers.

  • Transfer your research to product groups to enable new products or types of products. Deliverable results include prototypes, patents, products, and/or publishing original research.

What we need to see:

  • Must be actively enrolled in a university pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, for the full duration of the internship;anticipated graduation date (month and year)must be clearly indicated on a resume or CV to be considered.

  • Depending on the internship, prior experience or knowledge requirements couldinclude the following programming skills and technologies:

Python, C, C++, Perl, MATLAB, CUDA, Verilog, SystemVerilog, CAD tool packages (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys, HFSS), ML Frameworks (e.g., PyTorch), EDA tools

  • Strong background in research with publications at top conferencesand/or patents.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Potential internships require research experience in at least one of the following areas:

  • Circuit Design

PLLs and Clocking Circuits

SerDes and High-Speed Signaling

Integrated Photonics and Optical Interconnects

SRAMs, Memory Design, and Cache Architectures

Power Delivery/Regulation

Security Circuits and Hardware Security

High-Speed Logical Design

Novel Digital VLSI Circuits

  • ASIC and VLSI

ASIC and VLSI Design Techniques

ML Accelerators

Hardware/software co-design

  • Electronic Design Automation

GPU accelerated EDA

Agent for Hardware Design

Clickhereto learn more about NVIDIA, our early talent programs, benefits offered to studentsand other helpful student resources related to our latest technologies and endeavors.

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 38 USD - 94 USD.

You will also be eligible for Internbenefits.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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.

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