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Internship Microcontroller Programmer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Systems Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$166K - $228K/yr

Design and integrate systems and applications into microcontroller components into a complete ... Assistant, internship or related occupation involving: Knowledge about various ARM-based ...

Design and integrate systems and applications into microcontroller components into a complete ... Assistant, internship or related occupation involving: Knowledge about various ARM-based ...

Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design. * Familiarity with ... Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.

Engineer, Firmware

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design. * Familiarity with ... Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.

Engineer, Firmware

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design. * Familiarity with ... Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.

Internship Microcontroller Programmer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$15

$29

$45

How much do internship microcontroller programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship microcontroller programmer in Santa Clara, CA is $29.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship microcontroller programmer do?

An Internship Microcontroller Programmer assists in developing, testing, and debugging software for microcontroller-based systems under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically write code in languages such as C or C++ to control hardware devices, sensors, or other embedded systems. Interns may also help with circuit design, hardware interfacing, and troubleshooting. The role provides hands-on experience in embedded systems development and helps build foundational skills for a career in embedded programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship microcontroller programmer?

To thrive as an Internship Microcontroller Programmer, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and basic electronics, often demonstrated through relevant coursework or personal projects. Familiarity with microcontroller platforms (such as Arduino, STM32, or PIC), debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate within a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable embedded applications, troubleshooting hardware-software interactions, and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What types of projects do internship microcontroller programmers typically work on, and how much autonomy can I expect?

As a Microcontroller Programmer intern, you will usually assist with designing, coding, and testing firmware for embedded systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Projects often involve tasks like interfacing sensors, optimizing code for resource-constrained environments, and troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues. While you'll receive close mentorship, many organizations encourage interns to take ownership of specific modules or features, allowing you to contribute meaningfully and build confidence. Collaboration with hardware engineers and software developers is common, providing a well-rounded experience in embedded systems development.

What is the difference between Internship Microcontroller Programmer vs Electronics Technician?

AspectInternship Microcontroller ProgrammerElectronics Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or completed relevant coursework or certifications in microcontrollers and embedded systemsAssociate degree or diploma in electronics or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in labs or development teams, focusing on programming and testing microcontrollersManufacturing, repair shops, or maintenance environments working on electronic systems
Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, and R&D departments for embedded system developmentCommon in manufacturing, service centers, and electronics repair industries

Internship Microcontroller Programmers focus on learning and applying microcontroller programming skills during their internship, often in a development or R&D setting. Electronics Technicians work on maintaining and repairing electronic systems, with a broader scope in electronics. Both roles share some technical knowledge but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Internship Microcontroller Programmer jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Internship Microcontroller Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Microcontroller Programmer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,089 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

NVIDIA 2027 Internships: Systems Software Engineering

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

By submitting your resume, you acknowledge that your 2027 Systems Software Engineering 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 Systems Software teams. We're seeking strategic, ambitious, hard-working, and creative individuals who are passionate about helping us tackle challenges no one else can solve.

Throughout the 12-week full-time internship, students will work on projects that have a measurable impact on our business. We're looking for students pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree within a relevant or related field.

Potential Internships in this field include:

Systems Software

  • Defining, designing, and developing integrated (e.g., Jetson Orin) and discrete (e.g., Hopper H100) GPU system software components (e.g., runtime, math libraries) with focus on power and performance, as well as creating architecture and design specifications
  • Course or internship experience related to the following areas could be required: Operating Systems (Threads, Process Control, Memory/Resource Management, Virtual Memory), Multithreaded Debugging, Linux Kernel Development, RTOS Development on Embedded Platforms, Data Structures & Algorithms (time/space complexity), Computer Networking (TPC/IP, OSI Model, Sockets), Low-Level Programming

Software Security

  • Hardening and developing secure solutions across the software stack, spanning multi-node supercomputers down to microcontrollers and security co-processors
  • Building tools and infrastructure to scale security efforts across large organizations and codebases with millions of lines of code
  • Course or internship experience related to the following areas could be required: Operating Systems, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Networking (TPC/IP, OSI Model, Sockets), Network Security, Cryptography, Computer Systems Architecture, Microcontroller and Microprocessor fundamentals (Caches, Buses, Memory Controllers, DMA, etc.)

Graphics Systems Software

  • Designing and implementing of OpenGL, OpenGL ES, and Vulkan graphics drivers, platform support, and conformance tests to support new hardware features in collaboration with other software, hardware, architecture, and support teams
  • Training and debugging various issues within the Tegra graphics software stack
  • Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Real-Time Systems Development, Device Driver Programming, Game Console Middleware, or other Low-Level Library Development
  • 3D/2D Graphics Theory, Implementation & Optimizations, Simulation or Emulation (writing & debugging tests)

Compiler

  • Working at the center of deep-learning compiler technology, spanning architecture design and support through functional languages
  • Investigating problems or optimization opportunities within the Compiler backend by working with global compiler, hardware, and application teams to oversee improvements and problem resolutions
  • Operating Systems Compiler, Compiler Construction, Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Compiler Development, Open Source Programming, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Automation Tools (XLA, TVM, Halide), Open Source Tools (CLANG, LLBM, gcc)

Firmware & Embedded Software

  • Supporting development of firmware run on embedded microcontrollers within GPUs, while optimizing software to improve system robustness, performance, and security
  • Participating in testing new and existing firmware, and developing tools and infrastructure to improve our front-end design and verification process
  • Course or internship experience related to the following areas could be required: Operating Systems (Threads, Process Control, Memory/Resource Management, Virtual Memory), Embedded Systems (Processors, Firmware, Input/Output Devices and Memory), Real-Time Performance, Low-Level Development, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Computer Systems Software, Linux Kernel Development, Multi-Threaded or Multi-Process Programming, RTOS Development on Embedded Platforms

What we need to see:

  • Must be actively enrolled in a university pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer 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 role, prior experience or knowledge requirements could include the following programming skills and technologies:

  • C, C++, C++17, CUDA, x86, Perl, ARM CPU, GPU, Embedded C, Linux, Linux Kernel Development, Bash/Shell Scripting, Graphics (2D, 3D, Render, Shaders)
  • Operating Systems (Threads, Process Control, Memory/Resource Management, Virtual Memory), Formal Verification Tools (Spark, Frama-C), Linux Kernel Development, Multi-Threaded or Multi-Process Programming, Computer Networking (TPC/IP, OSI Model, Sockets), Open Source Tools (CLANG, LLBM, gcc), Testing Production/Automation Tools (XLA, TVM, Halide), Microprocessor Fundamentals (Caches, Buses, Memory Controllers, DMA, etc.)

Click here to learn more about NVIDIA, our early talent programs, benefits offered to students and 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 20 USD - 71 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

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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