Firmware Developer Intern

Company Overview:

We are a fast-moving startup developing next-generation amphibious drones capable of operating both in air and underwater. Our mission is to push the boundaries of autonomous aerial-marine robotics using open-source technologies like ArduPilot.

Role Overview:

We are seeking highly motivated Firmware Development Interns with a strong foundation in C++, embedded systems, and a passion for drones or robotics. You will be directly involved in building custom flight firmware, developing new flight modes, and integrating complex sensor and control logic into ArduPilot for an amphibious drone platform.

This is a hands-on role ideal for students, fresh graduates, or junior engineers looking to gain deep experience in real-world drone firmware development.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the lead developer to fork and customize the ArduPilot codebase
• Develop and test new flight modes (e.g., VTOL to underwater transitions)
• Integrate sensors (IMU, pressure, DVL, sonar, leak detection) via I2C, UART, or CAN
• Modify and extend hardware abstraction layers (HAL) where necessary
• Implement control logic for motors, thrusters, and failsafe systems
• Use SITL and Gazebo to simulate and validate drone behavior
• Debug and test firmware in live hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and field conditions

Skills & Requirements: Education:

• Pursuing or recently completed BE/BTech/MTech in:
• Electronics / Embedded Systems
• Mechatronics / Robotics
• Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence
• Aerospace / Aeronautics / Instrumentation

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of C++ (OOP, pointers, templates, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers
• Understanding of sensors and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)
• Familiarity with Git and collaborative development workflows

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have):

• Experience with ArduPilot or PX4
• ROS/ROS2 exposure (for companion computer interface)
• Familiarity with Gazebo, SITL, or UAV simulations
• Exposure to STM32 or ARM Cortex-based platforms
• Drone enthusiast, DIY projects, or prior drone build experience

Location:

• Remote / Hybrid (based on project stage)
• Occasional travel for field testing (optional)

Duration & Commitment:

• 3 to 6 months (with potential extension or full-time offer)
• Flexible hours, but minimum weekly commitment of 20 hours

What You'll Gain:

• Real-world experience in ArduPilot-based firmware engineering
• Exposure to one of the most advanced autonomous drone stacks
• Mentorship in aerospace-grade software architecture
• Opportunity to contribute to open-source / research publications
• Potential to continue as a paid full-time engineer

Job Types: Full-time, Internship
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: ₹5,000.00 - ₹15,000.00 per month

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Fixed shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to join Immediately?

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 30/06/2025
Expected Start Date: 02/07/2025