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Embedded Systems Intern

Terranova

Berkeley, CAFull-time$25–35/hrPosted 4mo agoChecked 1w ago
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At a glance

Compensation
$25–35/hr
Location
Berkeley, CA
Role Type
Internship
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
US work authorization required

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Bachelor's degree

Job overview

Terranova is hiring an Embedded Systems Intern. Terranova seeks an embedded systems engineering intern to join its core team, designing, analyzing, fabricating, and testing large‑scale robotic systems. The role involves hands‑on work in the factory and field, collaborating across electrical, controls, and field teams to deliver robust, high‑power machines in demanding environments.

Key focus areas include Own aspects of electrical design, firmware, controls integration, and PCB design, Develop and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ for STM32/ESP32/RP2040 or similar, and Design and review mixed‑signal PCBs using KiCad/Altium.

Important skills include Electrical Design, Controls Integration, Sensor Integration, Radio Integration, Power Electronics Integration, and I²C. Preferred (not required): Embedded Systems, PCB Design, C/C++, and STM32.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Electrical DesignEmbedded SystemsControls IntegrationPCB DesignC/C++STM32ESP32RP2040KiCadAltiumSensor IntegrationRadio IntegrationPower Electronics IntegrationI²CSPIUARTCANPower Budget OptimizationEMI Performance OptimizationManufacturability OptimizationHardware Prototype ValidationDFM/DFT CyclesSystem IntegrationField DebuggingHigh Power Systems (150+ kW)Safe DesignCollaborationFailure AnalysisTestingIterative ImprovementPrototypingLiDARSensorsElectromechanical ControlsVFDsHigh Voltage AC Power Conversion SystemsLithium BatteriesFreeRTOSZephyrMixed-Signal DesignPower DesignEmbedded Systems Design SkillsStartup Environment AdaptabilityCAD ProficiencyOnShapeSolidWorksFusion 360NXPythonProject Management

Qualifications

U.S. Permanent ResidencyBachelor's Degree or Higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Related Field

Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Full job description

Company Description

Backed by leading climate and American dynamism investors, Terranova builds intelligent robotic systems to terraform the Earth itself - lifting land, restoring wetlands, and protecting critical infrastructure from floods and sea-level rise.

Our mission is to preserve the built environment, create new habitats, and usher in an era of abundance. Our work supports climate resilience, disaster recovery, and defense across the United States and beyond.

We’re assembling a world-class team that wants to work on something real, physical, and civilization-scale. If you want your work to reshape the world (literally), this is the place to do it.

What to to Expect

Terranova seeks a embedded systems engineering intern to join our core engineering team. The ideal candidate has a passion for their craft and can go deep on design and analysis while maintaining a systems-level view across electrical, embedded, and controls disciplines. This person thrives in a startup environment - owning problems end-to-end, moving fast, and building machines that survive the real world.

You’ll lead projects from concept through field deployment: designing, analyzing, fabricating, and testing large-scale robotic systems that operate in the most demanding environments on Earth. Expect to be hands-on, spend long hours in the factory and in the field working alongside technicians and operators.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own aspects of electrical design, firmware, controls integration, and PCB design

  • Develop and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ for STM32/ESP32/RP2040 or similar

  • Design and review mixed-signal PCBs using KiCad/Altium.

  • Integrate sensors, radios, and power electronics with reliable, low-latency interfaces (I²C, SPI, UART, CAN).

  • Characterize and optimize power budgets, EMI performance, and manufacturability.

  • Bring-up, test, and validate hardware prototypes through DFM/DFT cycles.

  • Support system integration and field debugging of deployed robotic platforms.

  • Understand high power systems (150+ kW) and ensure safe design

  • Collaborate closely with electrical, controls, and field teams to deliver integrated, field-ready systems

  • Drive failure analysis, testing, and iterative improvement based on real-world data

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Hands-on prototyping skills - you enjoy working in the shop - have built hobby projects - are a maker

  • LiDAR and Sensors

  • Experience in electromechanical controls - VFDs

  • Experience in high voltage AC power conversion systems and lithium batteries

  • STM32/ESP32/RP2040

  • C/C++ with FreeRTOS/Zephyr

  • KiCad/Altium PCB Design

  • Mixed-signal and power design

  • PCB and embedded systems design skills (Altium or equivalent)

  • Comfortable with the pace and intensity of early-stage startup life, including long days, 6-day workweeks, and extended field hours

  • Working towards a bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field

  • U.S. permanent residency required

Nice to Have Skills

  • CAD proficiency (OnShape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or NX)

  • Familiarity with C++, Python, or similar for controls or simulation

  • Proven project management capabilities with multiple concurrent workstreams

  • Experience with compliance, HAZOP, and FMEA tools for machine safety

Compensation and Timeline

  • $25-35/hr + relocation + company perks

  • Fall Internship from August-December depending on your school schedule

You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.

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