Firmware Engineer Co-op

Danaher • Indianapolis, IN

2d

About The Position

As an intern, you will join a highly collaborative R&D team developing and supporting analytical instruments that integrate electronics, automation, and software to deliver high-confidence scientific insights. The role supports embedded firmware development for automated laboratory instrumentation, along with integration, testing, verification, documentation, and engineering collaboration. The co-op provides exposure to the product development process from requirements creation through implementation and verification testing.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student entering the final year of an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related bachelor's program.
• Experience programming in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with 32-bit microcontrollers and common embedded peripherals or communication interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, ADCs, and timers.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS or similar.
• Experience using an integrated development environment such as Eclipse or VS Code.
• Experience with version control using GitHub or a similar version-control system.
• Demonstrated teamwork and communication skills, and ability to collaborate effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using AI-assisted software development tools such as GitHub Copilot or Claude.
• Familiarity with product development processes spanning requirements creation, implementation, and verification testing.
• Knowledge of basic electronics and the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Experience configuring or working with automated build tools such as Jenkins.
• Basic understanding of PID control loops.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, development, and debugging of embedded firmware using C/C++ and Python for automated laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop firmware for 32-bit microcontrollers and interface with peripherals and communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, ADCs, and timers.
• Work with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS or similar embedded platforms.
• Support integration of firmware with electrical and electromechanical subsystems used in prototype instrumentation.
• Develop, debug, and test embedded functionality using development environments such as Eclipse or VS Code.
• Use GitHub and established version-control practices to manage firmware development and collaborate with the engineering team.
• Develop and execute firmware tests to characterize the functionality, performance, and reliability of embedded systems.
• Troubleshoot firmware and hardware interactions using structured problem-solving techniques and engineering test equipment.
• Analyze test results, identify root causes, and support implementation and verification of corrective actions.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including firmware inspection records, test procedures, test reports, and verification results.
• Present findings and recommendations to engineering teams and participate in design reviews.
• Gain exposure to the product development process from requirements creation through implementation and verification testing.

Benefits

• Direct involvement in real R&D projects with measurable impact.
• Skill development in embedded firmware design, debugging, verification, and multidisciplinary instrumentation engineering.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and opportunities to present technical work.
• Exposure to life-science automation systems that integrate firmware, electronics, motion, sensing, and software.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern