Software Engineering Intern (Applied AI)

Emerson • Austin, TX

10h

About The Position

Software Engineering Intern – Applied AI (Frontend / Backend / Full-Stack) We are seeking a hands-on software intern who excels at rapid prototyping of AI-enabled software concepts—turning ambiguous ideas into working demos fast. You will directly contribute to Nigel, our AI-native platform for Test & Measurement. Nigel is used by scientists and engineers to conduct experiments, design products, and validate mission-critical systems. You will code across the stack using the latest AI coding tools. Depending on your skill set, you may do more frontend web UI work and/or more backend/core logic work, while collaborating closely with the team to iterate quickly and learn fast. IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE: Tackle the most critical technical challenges at any given time — you will learn a lot! Rapidly prototype AI-enabled features and workflows, iterating from concept → demo → demo → product. Use professional AI coding tools to accelerate implementation (code generation, refactoring, debugging, instructions), while validating outputs with disciplined debugging. Build backend services (e.g., Go, C#, REST endpoints, Kubernetes, Azure, orchestration logic) that deploy on Azure and on-prem. Build web UIs (TypeScript/Next.js/React) in collaboration with Interaction and Visual Designers working in Figma. Create demo experiences with clear storylines appropriate for senior leadership feedback. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to clarify requirements, identify constraints, propose tradeoffs, and deliver incremental improvements weekly Blog about your learnings (what worked, what didn’t) and create quick-start guides to help others reproduce and extend your work. WHO YOU ARE: A high-ownership self-starter who takes ambiguous problems and drives them to completion. Intellectually curious and excited to learn new tools/frameworks quickly on an experienced, fast-paced team. A clear communicator who can articulate intent, assumptions, tradeoffs, and next steps in writing and in-person. A structured problem solver who uses a tight loop debugging mindset (hypothesis → test → iterate) and any/all tools at their disposal to isolate root causes and validate fixes. Comfortable collaborating with AI: you can steer AI tools effectively, recognize when outputs are wrong, and course correct quickly. FOR THIS ROLE, YOU WILL NEED: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering (software-focused), or a related field. Experience with agentic coding environments, such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Code, or similar (Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, OpenHands also applicable). Ability to go beyond “vibe coding” — comfortable producing readable, maintainable code with a team of software engineers, even when moving fast. Strong programming fundamentals in at least one modern language (e.g., Go, C#, Python, or equivalent). Familiarity with Git/GitHub workflows (branches, pull requests) and basic software engineering practices. Legal Authorization to work in the United States – sponsorship will not be provided for this role. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS THAT SET YOU APART: Experience with either (a) modern web UI development, and/or (b) backend/microservice/cloud development, with willingness to contribute where needed. Experience integrating AI into apps and workflows (e.g. prompt/context engineering, RAG, fine tuning, agentic harnesses, tool use, building MCP servers, etc.). Bonus: Any experience with measurement equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes), maker communities, or engineering domains besides software (e.g., electrical engineering). OUR OFFER TO YOU: National Instruments (NI) is now the new Test & Measurement (T&M) business unit in Emerson's portfolio. We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing and know that to do your best you must have flexible, competitive compensation, corporate housing accommodation, relocation assistance, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers flexible time off plans, including vacation and holiday leave. Our training programs and initiatives focus on end-to end development, from onboarding through senior leadership. We provide a wide range of development opportunities, including face-to-face and virtual training, mentorship, and coaching, project management, and on-the-job training. At Emerson, we are committed to fostering a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspire innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers. Learn more about our Culture & Values #LI-AT3

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering (software-focused), or a related field.
• Experience with agentic coding environments, such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Code, or similar (Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, OpenHands also applicable).
• Ability to go beyond “vibe coding” — comfortable producing readable, maintainable code with a team of software engineers, even when moving fast.
• Strong programming fundamentals in at least one modern language (e.g., Go, C#, Python, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with Git/GitHub workflows (branches, pull requests) and basic software engineering practices.
• Legal Authorization to work in the United States – sponsorship will not be provided for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with either (a) modern web UI development, and/or (b) backend/microservice/cloud development, with willingness to contribute where needed.
• Experience integrating AI into apps and workflows (e.g. prompt/context engineering, RAG, fine tuning, agentic harnesses, tool use, building MCP servers, etc.).
• Bonus: Any experience with measurement equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes), maker communities, or engineering domains besides software (e.g., electrical engineering).

Responsibilities

• Tackle the most critical technical challenges at any given time — you will learn a lot!
• Rapidly prototype AI-enabled features and workflows, iterating from concept → demo → demo → product.
• Use professional AI coding tools to accelerate implementation (code generation, refactoring, debugging, instructions), while validating outputs with disciplined debugging.
• Build backend services (e.g., Go, C#, REST endpoints, Kubernetes, Azure, orchestration logic) that deploy on Azure and on-prem.
• Build web UIs (TypeScript/Next.js/React) in collaboration with Interaction and Visual Designers working in Figma.
• Create demo experiences with clear storylines appropriate for senior leadership feedback.
• Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to clarify requirements, identify constraints, propose tradeoffs, and deliver incremental improvements weekly
• Blog about your learnings (what worked, what didn’t) and create quick-start guides to help others reproduce and extend your work.

Benefits

• flexible, competitive compensation
• corporate housing accommodation
• relocation assistance
• employee resource groups
• recognition
• flexible time off plans, including vacation and holiday leave
• training programs and initiatives focus on end-to end development, from onboarding through senior leadership
• wide range of development opportunities, including face-to-face and virtual training, mentorship, and coaching, project management, and on-the-job training
• culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives
• diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspire innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern