Embedded and Real-Time Software Intern
Intern
Saline, MI, USA
USD 29-29 / hour
Posted on Oct 1, 2026
This is a paid internship. Compensation for this position begins at $29.00 per hour.
Role Summary:
Quantum Signal AI is looking for an Embedded and Real-Time Software Intern to help develop performant, low-level, and embedded software during the summer of 2027. Interns will gain new skills working on projects that span a variety of applications involving sensor integration, real-time networking, and infotainment hardware. Outstanding candidates will be comfortable with Linux and C/C++ and will have experience with robotics or other hardware-facing projects. We are looking for lifelong learners and tinkerers who are interested in tackling unfamiliar project challenges!
Location:
Saline, Michigan (In-person). Our “historic schoolhouse” office supports hands-on collaboration, mentorship, and real-time problem solving.
What You’ll Do:
- Design, develop, troubleshoot, test, and maintain real-time applications and tooling targeting a variety of architectures and platforms
- Work with complex systems that involve sensors, microcontrollers, networking, custom electronics, and in-vehicle hardware
- Collaborate with your mentor alongside other software, electrical, mechanical, and research engineers as part of multidisciplinary project teams
- Develop tests and execute test plans
- Create and collaborate with others on supporting documentation
What You’ll Bring:
- Active enrollment in a Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree program, with student status maintained through the academic term immediately following the internship
- Interest in low-level software, embedded systems, and hardware-facing development
- Understanding of when you need to ask for help/feedback and willingness to do so
- Experience gained through coursework, internships, club, personal projects, or other hands-on software development activities
- Strong programming fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and debugging techniques
- Experience troubleshooting software/hardware and systematically identifying root causes
- Experience developing software in C/C++
- Experience working in Linux environments
Bonus Points For:
- Familiarity with C/C++ development tooling (gcc, CMake, gdb, etc.)
- Familiarity with embedded, distributed, or multithreaded software
- Previous hobby, school, club, or work experience with:
- Microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, etc.)
- Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, NuttX, etc.)
- Embedded or Real-Time Linux (Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, etc.)
- Low-level serial protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.)
- High-speed connectivity protocols (Ethernet, USB, CAN, etc.)
- Sensor processing and integration
- Video and/or audio processing and compression
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you are excited about this role and think you can bring value to Quantum Signal AI, we encourage you to apply!
What You’ll Get:
- Frequent collaboration with a diverse set of teams at QSAI
- A rare level of work variety and hands-on experience
- A relaxed, fun community and environment in which to solve interesting problems
- Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) savings plan
- Ford A/X Plan vehicle discounts
- Mentorship-focused learning that emphasizes engineering fundamentals, hands-on problem solving, and understanding the underlying principles behind the systems we build.
- Other perks to fuel creativity such as an on-site gymnasium, free drinks and snacks, and a variety of optional team activities
Candidates for positions with Quantum Signal AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About QSAI:
Founded in 1999, Quantum Signal grew up developing intelligent algorithms and AI. As our engineering R&D services expanded, we later sharpened our focus on applications and technology related to mobility, sensing, perception, autonomy, and simulation. In 2019 we became Quantum Signal AI, a subsidiary of Ford Motor developing technologies to advance their R&D efforts. We build solutions to enhance the capability, robustness, safety, and acceptance of intelligent ground vehicles in an effort to make transportation more effective and efficient for all.
While AI is part of our name, our internship program emphasizes building fundamental engineering knowledge, analytical thinking, and practical problem-solving skills. We want interns to understand how and why systems work through hands-on experience, mentorship, and experimentation, rather than simply relying on tools to provide answers.
Our HQ in the historic Union School in Saline, MI is the perfect playground to develop this cutting-edge technology and we’re always looking for smart folks who like new challenges, learning new skills, and technical variety.