Engineering Intern (Software or Hardware)

Paladin Drones • Houston, TX

9d

About The Position

We are looking for driven, hands-on Engineering Interns to join our team. This is not a "fetch coffee" internship. You might be writing code, assembling prototypes, or designing mechanical components that will be used in the field. You will work alongside experienced engineers to solve complex challenges in robotics, autonomy, and real-time data streaming.
We are hiring across two main tracks. Please indicate in your application which track interests you most.
Track A: Software Engineering (Full Stack / Autonomy)
What you’ll do:
Develop and optimize Python/C++ code for drone flight control and autonomous navigation.
Build and maintain robust APIs and backend services that manage drone fleets.
Assist in integrating video streaming protocols (WebRTC/RTSP) for low-latency video transmission.
Work with Docker and cloud infrastructure to deploy scalable software solutions.
What you bring:
Proficiency in Python or C++.
Familiarity with REST APIs and basic networking concepts.
Interest in robotics, computer vision, or path planning.
Track B: Hardware & Embedded Systems
What you’ll do:
Assist in the design and testing of UAV components
Debug and test custom PCBs or sensors
Perform field testing of drones, analyzing flight logs to improve hardware reliability.
Design fixtures for manufacturing or testing using CAD
What you bring:
Experience with CAD software and 3D printing/prototyping.
Basic understanding of circuits, microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32), and communication protocols (UART, I2C, SPI).
Hands-on experience with soldering, wiring, and hardware debugging.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Familiarity with REST APIs and basic networking concepts.
• Interest in robotics, computer vision, or path planning.
• Experience with CAD software and 3D printing/prototyping.
• Basic understanding of circuits, microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32), and communication protocols (UART, I2C, SPI).
• Hands-on experience with soldering, wiring, and hardware debugging.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a startup environment.
• A passion for robotics, aviation, or public safety technology.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ROS/ROS2 (Robot Operating System).
• Experience building or piloting DIY drones (Part 107 license is a major plus).
• Previous internship experience at a hardware or robotics startup.
• Portfolio or GitHub links demonstrating side projects (we love seeing what you build for fun!).

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize Python/C++ code for drone flight control and autonomous navigation.
• Build and maintain robust APIs and backend services that manage drone fleets.
• Assist in integrating video streaming protocols (WebRTC/RTSP) for low-latency video transmission.
• Work with Docker and cloud infrastructure to deploy scalable software solutions.
• Assist in the design and testing of UAV components
• Debug and test custom PCBs or sensors
• Perform field testing of drones, analyzing flight logs to improve hardware reliability.
• Design fixtures for manufacturing or testing using CAD

Benefits

• Real Impact: Your code and designs will help first responders save lives.
• Mentorship: Work directly with senior leadership and experienced engineers.
• Hands-on: Fly drones, break things, fix things, and learn how a hardware/software startup

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees