Firmware Engineer Intern - Summer 2026

Firmware Engineer Intern - Summer 2026

Chandler Chamber of Commerce

Chandler, AZ

Temporary, Internship

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Firmware Team Member

We are seeking a highly motivated post graduate (Master's) student or recent graduate to join our firmware team. In this role, you will work closely with our senior hardware and software engineers to develop, debug, and optimize firmware for a custom ARM Cortex-M series based design. You will gain hands-on experience bridging the gap between hardware bring-up and application-level software.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Board Support Package (BSP) Development: Develop and maintain low-level drivers (UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, DMA, Timers) for custom ARM Cortex-M0/M3/M4/M33 hardware.
  • Hardware Bring-up: Assist in the initial power-on and hardware validation of new custom PCBs using debuggers (J-Link, ST-Link) and oscilloscopes/logic analyzers.
  • RTOS Integration: Port and optimize Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or ThreadX) on the target hardware.
  • Application Layer: Write application-level firmware to demonstrate hardware capabilities and support system integration.
  • Debugging: Utilize JTAG/SWD interfaces to debug complex system-level issues involving interrupts, memory management, and power modes.
  • Documentation: Create technical documentation for driver APIs and hardware interfaces.

Required Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, graduating August 2026 or later
  • Strong understanding of the ARM Cortex-M architecture (e.g., NVIC, MPU, SysTick, Memory Map).
  • Proficiency in C (C11/C99) for embedded systems. Familiarity with assembly is a plus.
  • Experience with microcontroller peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, DMA, Timers).
  • Hands-on experience with debugging tools (JTAG/SWD) and test equipment (Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers).
  • Familiarity with version control (Git) and IDEs (VS Code, Keil MDK, IAR, or Eclipse-based tools).

Preferred Skills (Nice to Haves):

  • Experience with RTOS concepts (task scheduling, mutexes, semaphores).
  • Familiarity with Python or C# for developing internal test automation scripts.
  • Understanding of low-power design techniques (sleep modes, clock gating).
  • Experience reading schematics and datasheets to write register-level code.
  • Knowledge of secure boot or cryptographic libraries (mbedTLS, TrustZone for ARMv8-M).

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.




Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Firmware Engineer?

A: To succeed as a Firmware Engineer, one must possess strong technical skills in programming languages such as C, C++, and assembly, as well as expertise in microcontrollers, embedded systems, and low-level programming. Additionally, soft skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with cross-functional teams and debugging complex issues. These technical and soft skills enable Firmware Engineers to design, develop, and test reliable and efficient firmware, ultimately driving innovation and career growth in the field.

Q: What is the career path for a Firmware Engineer?

A: A Firmware Engineer's typical career progression involves starting as a Junior Firmware Engineer, where they develop and test firmware for embedded systems, progressing to a Firmware Engineer role, where they lead firmware development projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. As they gain experience, they can move into senior roles such as Senior Firmware Engineer or Technical Lead, overseeing firmware development, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to technical strategy. With advanced skills and experience, Firmware Engineers can transition into leadership positions, such as Engineering Manager or Technical Program Manager, or pursue specialized roles like Product Manager or Technical Architect.



Chandler Chamber of Commerce job posting for a Firmware Engineer Intern - Summer 2026 in Chandler, AZ with a salary of $146,000 to $209,300 Annually with a map of Chandler location.