Software Engineer Intern - C++, Python & HIL

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 a Software Engineer Intern to join our engineering team in Austin, TX for Summer 2027. Mentored by experienced software engineers, you will tackle real-world challenges in autonomy, real-time decision-making, sensor fusion, and path planning. In this hands-on software role, you will design and test software components that directly control autonomous ships, integrate sensor feeds, and execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Autonomy & Navigation Development: Design, implement, and test software components for autonomous marine systems, including path planning algorithms, vessel navigation, and communication protocols.
• Real-Time Algorithms & Perception: Collaborate with engineers to optimize algorithms for real-time decision-making, obstacle detection, and sensor fusion.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Assist in building automated testing frameworks and participate in HIL testing to validate software performance across simulated and physical ship hardware environments.
• Cross-Functional Hardware Integration: Partner closely with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless software integration with vessel hardware.
• Technical Documentation: Author technical design specifications, user guides, test plans, and system documentation.

Requirements

Academic Status & Majors

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a related technical 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 programming experience in at least one modern software language: C++, Python, Rust, TypeScript, or JavaScript.
• Foundational understanding of robotics principles, autonomous navigation concepts, and sensor technologies (e.g., LiDAR, Radar, GPS, IMU, Cameras).
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and logical problem-solving capabilities.

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

• Experience with robotics middleware platforms (e.g., ROS / ROS 2).
• Coursework or projects involving computer vision, state estimation, control theory, or distributed systems.
• Familiarity with simulation environments, Gazebo, or automated unit/integration testing frameworks.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of desk work writing and debugging code on standard computer setups.
• Occasional standing, walking, and movement across office spaces and testing facilities.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment items up to 20 pounds occasionally.