Computer Engineering Spring Intern

Falcata is seeking a highly motivated university student pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science who is passionate about embedded systems and low-level software development. This position offers hands-on experience designing, developing, and testing innovative electronics and microcontroller-based systems in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. Additionally, candidates will gain experience participating in an iterative design environment that promotes curiosity, moving fast, and developing prototypes for entire systems.

Interns will work alongside experienced engineers on real-world defense and advanced technology applications, including RF systems, radar and sensor platforms, missile seeker electronics, and secure IoT embedded solutions. This role provides exposure to the full development lifecycle, from hardware selection and schematic review to firmware development and system integration.

No candidate is expected to meet every qualification. Falcata values curiosity, strong fundamentals, and a desire to learn.

Responsibilities:

The Intern's primary role is to support the full-time engineering staff with tasks related to, but not limited to

• Assisting in the research, evaluation, and selection of electronic components including microcontrollers, SoCs, SoMs, FPGAs, power management ICs, and COTS hardware solutions.

• Developing and maintaining embedded firmware in Python, C, and C++ for bare-metal systems.

• Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and integration of embedded platforms.

• Participate in schematic reviews, PCB layout discussions, and signal integrity considerations.

• Develop test procedures and analyze system performance data to ensure compliance with specifications.

• Use lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters) to diagnose and validate hardware/software interactions.

• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and cross-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure system performance meets operational requirements.

• Contribute to documentation including design notes, test reports, and interface specifications.

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

• Strong interest in embedded systems, firmware development, and hardware/software integration.

• Foundational understanding of digital logic, microcontrollers, electrical circuits, and networking.

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or test development.
• Familiarity with Networking concepts (TCP, UDP, OSI Model)
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, or USB.
• Exposure to RF systems, analog circuit design, or mixed-signal electronics.
• Experience with version control (Git) and embedded debugging tools (JTAG).
• Familiarity with PCB layout tools and reading schematics.
• Familiarity with Agile development practices including Scrum methodologies.

What you’ll gain:

• Practical experience designing and debugging embedded hardware and firmware.

• Exposure to defense-grade systems and secure engineering practices.
• Mentorship from experienced embedded and electrical engineers.
• Understanding of system-level design, integration, and validation.

Applying to Falcata:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Falcata is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and drug screening.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.