Electrical Engineer Intern - Autonomous Ships

Saronic Technologies is a leader in maritime autonomy, developing state-of-the-art autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and intelligent software platforms for the defense technology sector.

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer Intern to join our team in Austin, TX for Summer 2027. In this hands-on engineering role, you will help design, build, test, and optimize electrical and electro-mechanical systems powering our autonomous ships. You will work alongside multidisciplinary engineers across sensor integration, power measurements, embedded software, and prototype vessel validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Electro-Mechanical Systems Prototyping: Support the engineering design, assembly, and testing of hardware, low-voltage electrical systems, and software for autonomous surface vessels (ASVs).
• Sensors & Data Acquisition: Conduct research and implement solutions for sensor integration, data acquisition, and signal processing.
• Testing & Algorithmic Validation: Participate in field testing and validation of ASV prototypes, propulsion systems, and onboard autonomy algorithms (navigation, object detection, collision avoidance).
• Power & System Analysis: Perform power calculations and measurements to evaluate vehicle runtime, component failures, and electrical load distribution.
• Microcontrollers & Tooling: Program microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and use hand/power tools to build and refine custom hardware setups.
• Documentation & Reporting: Collect data, analyze system trends, write formal engineering reports, and present findings to project leads.

Requirements

Academic Status & Major

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Must be available for full-time (40 hrs/week) in-office work at Saronic HQ in Austin, TX from May through August 2027.

Technical Qualifications & Skills

• Practical experience operating, diagnosing, testing, or repairing electrical and electro-mechanical systems.
• Basic programming proficiency in software languages such as Python, C/C++, or Linux environments.
• Exposure to electrical schematics, power calculations, and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition, hand/power tools, and rapid prototyping platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
• Relevant coursework in Circuit Analysis, Analog Design, Digital Logic, Embedded Systems, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), or Algorithms.

Export Control / Security Requirement

• U.S. Person Status Required: Due to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), candidates must be a "U.S. Person" (U.S. Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident / Green Card Holder, or protected refugee/asylee).

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to PCB design and layout tools.
• Experience with SPICE-based circuit simulation tools.
• Exposure to 3-phase AC power systems.
• Familiarity with hardware communication protocols and networking concepts (CAN bus, Serial, Ethernet).
• Background in sensor calibration or machine learning applications for autonomous systems.

Physical Demands

• Desk/computer work for extended periods; occasional standing, reaching, and bending.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment items up to 20 pounds.