Firmware Engineer Intern (Leo)

Job description

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<h1 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Firmware Engineer Intern (Leo)</h1>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea"><strong>Location:</strong> San Jose, California<br><strong>Employment type:</strong> Full-time internship<br><strong>Schedule:</strong> 40 hours per week</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">About the role</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">As a Firmware Engineer Intern on the Leo Firmware team, you will contribute to embedded software that helps bring up, validate, and improve high-speed connectivity products supporting the next generation of rack-scale AI infrastructure. You will work across C and Python codebases, build practical debugging skills, and collaborate with firmware, hardware, systems, and validation engineers to turn requirements into reliable product functionality.</p>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">This role offers hands-on exposure to firmware development, lab testing, automation, and system-level problem solving. You will work in a fast-moving engineering environment where interns are encouraged to learn quickly, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions to real products.</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">What you’ll do</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Implement and enhance embedded firmware in C for high-speed connectivity products.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Develop Python scripts and tools for test automation, device configuration, log parsing, and data analysis.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Translate requirements into clear, maintainable code with guidance from experienced firmware engineers.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support firmware bring-up on embedded platforms and assist with board- and system-level debugging.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Execute functional, regression, and interoperability tests; document results and track issues.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Use lab equipment and software tools to isolate failures, verify fixes, and improve product quality.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Partner with hardware, systems, and validation engineers to investigate issues and deliver integrated solutions.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Participate in code reviews and apply feedback to improve reliability, readability, and maintainability.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Contribute to design notes, test plans, debug reports, and other engineering documentation.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Take ownership of an assigned project and work toward a proof of concept, usable framework, or production-ready contribution.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Communicate progress, technical findings, and project outcomes clearly, including through an end-of-program presentation.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Basic qualifications</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Embedded-firmware experience through coursework, research, personal projects, or a prior internship.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Proficiency in C and Python.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Understanding of embedded-systems concepts, including microcontrollers, memory, interrupts, and peripheral interfaces.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Demonstrated ability to debug methodically, learn quickly, collaborate effectively, and communicate technical findings clearly.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Preferred qualifications</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience developing firmware for an ARM-based microcontroller, such as STM32.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Familiarity with UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, timers, or similar embedded interfaces and peripherals.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Exposure to real-time operating-system concepts or bare-metal firmware development.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience using JTAG or SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar hardware-debugging tools.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Familiarity with Linux-based firmware development, build toolchains, or cross-compilation workflows.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Interest in high-speed connectivity, signal integrity, or physical-layer concepts.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Internship experience and compensation</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">This is a paid, hourly U.S. internship. The applicable hourly rate is determined as part of the offer process and specified in the offer letter, depending on education level ranges form $35/hour to $55/hour. U.S. interns currently receive a $500-per-week housing/relocation stipend for the duration of the internship. Interns participate in Early Career programming, including technical and professional-development sessions, community events, and an end-of-program project presentation.</p>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea"> </p>
<h2>Equal opportunity</h2>
<p>Astera Labs is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage anyone with relevant experience to apply.</p>
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