Embedded Software Engineer Intern — Lidar

Aurora • Bozeman, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Aurora is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to join its Lidar Software team in Bozeman, Montana. The team develops embedded software for Aurora’s FirstLight lidar, an internally developed frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) sensor. With the next-generation sensor ramping into production, the intern will contribute to sensor firmware and Python tools used for manufacturing, calibration, and qualification. The work involves shipping software for real sensors and hardware benches alongside the engineers who designed them.

The intern will develop and test C++ firmware for an embedded Linux FPGA system-on-chip platform, build Python tools for analyzing manufacturing and calibration data and producing production acceptance reports, and debug software on sensor hardware in the lab. The role also includes writing automated unit and hardware-in-the-loop tests and working with firmware, FPGA, optics, and manufacturing engineers to address test-station and fleet observations. The position reports to the team’s Tech Lead Manager.

The internship is intended for a student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree who will return to a degree-granting program after the internship. Aurora expects employees to work from the office at least three days per week; some roles may require up to five days in-office based on operational needs. Hourly pay in Bozeman is $47 for bachelor’s students and $52 for master’s students. The posting also lists Mountain View rates of $52 for bachelor’s students and $58 for master’s students.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field, and returning to a degree-granting program after the internship.
• Proficiency in Python, including scripting for automation and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of modern C++ from coursework or project experience.
• Experience developing software in Linux, including use of the shell, a build system, and Git.
• Demonstrated ability to debug software that interacts with hardware through coursework, personal projects, or a prior internship in embedded systems or robotics.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to embedded Linux (Yocto) or a real-time operating system such as FreeRTOS.
• Familiarity with Bazel, GDB, continuous integration, and code review workflows.
• Experience with Python data tools such as NumPy, pandas, matplotlib, and Protocol Buffers.
• Experience with FPGA system-on-chip platforms such as AMD/Xilinx Zynq or Versal, or hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and GPIO.
• Coursework or projects in signal processing, optics, or sensing technologies such as lidar or radar.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test C++ firmware features for the FirstLight lidar sensor on an embedded Linux FPGA system-on-chip platform.
• Build and extend Python tools to analyze sensor manufacturing and calibration data and generate production-line sensor acceptance reports.
• Bring up and debug software on real sensor hardware in the lab using logging, health monitoring, and debug interfaces to identify root causes.
• Write automated unit and hardware-in-the-loop tests to support reliable features and tools in continuous integration.
• Collaborate with firmware, FPGA, optics, and manufacturing engineers to turn test-station and fleet observations into software fixes and diagnostics.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern