Embedded Systems Intern

We are looking for an Embedded Systems Intern to join our team at LionsBot, where you will help build and test various hardware and firmware systems that powers our intelligent cleaning robots. In this role, you will work on PCB design, hardware bring-up, and/or firmware development for the embedded systems that control motors, process sensors, and interface with our cleaning robot.

What You Will Gain

This internship offers exposure to professional embedded systems development in a robotics context. Through mentorship from our experienced engineers, you will gain practical skills in PCB design, firmware development, and hardware debugging while seeing how embedded systems integrate with higher-level software to create working robotic platforms.

Key Responsibilities

You will contribute to one or more of the following areas based on your experience and interests:

• PCB Schematic Design – Design schematics for motor drivers, sensor interfaces, power distribution, and communication modules

• PCB Layout Design – Develop PCB layouts with attention to signal integrity, power distribution, EMI/EMC, and thermal considerations

• Firmware Development – Write embedded C/C++ code for microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32) to control actuators, read sensors, and implement communication protocols. Develop drivers, implement real-time control loops, and optimize for performance and reliability.

• Hardware-Software Integration – Bridge embedded systems with ROS running on our robotics through communication interfaces (e.g. UART, CAN, Modbus)

• Hardware Bring-up & Testing – Debug new PCB designs, validate functionality, and troubleshoot issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters. Develop test procedures and documentation for hardware validation.

• Sensor & Actuator Integration – Interface with various sensors (encoders, IMUs, proximity sensors) and actuators (motors, solenoids, LEDs). Implement calibration procedures and ensure robust operation in real-world conditions.

Across all tasks, you will be expected to:

• Write clean, well-documented code and design files

• Follow version control practices (Git) for firmware or hardware designs

• Debug issues systematically using appropriate tools and methodologies

• Test your designs both on the bench and integrated into robots

Qualifications & Experience

• Current undergraduate or master's student in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related course.

• Experience with PCB design tools (e.g. Altium Designer, KiCad, EAGLE)

• Hands-on experience with firmware development for microcontrollers (e.g. STM32, ESP32).

• Knowledgeable on communication protocols (e.g. CANbus, Modbus, UART, SPI, I2C)

• Understanding of fundamental electronics concepts and can design basic circuits.

• Familiarity with debugging tools (e.g. multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills through coursework or personal projects.

• Passion for building things, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

• Power electronics and battery management systems Good to have

• Familiarity with manufacturing considerations and component sourcing

• Exposure to power electronics or battery management systems

• Experience working with motors, motor drivers, or power stages

• Experience with ROS and Linux programming

We are looking for interns who are genuinely excited about embedded systems and eager to learn. You should be comfortable asking questions, seeking feedback, and working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. We value clear communication, a methodical approach to debugging, and the drive to see projects through from prototype to production.

If you love robotics, have a passion for embedded systems and want to improve on your hands-on experience developing the hardware or firmware that powers real robotic platforms, we would love to hear from you.