a16z 
Lightspeed Electrical Engineer (Intern, Summer 2027)
Posted Updated 22
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Description
- We are seeking an Electrical Engineer Intern who will work on designing, developing, testing, and optimizing our autonomous surface vessels
- This is a hands-on experience, which will allow you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting and contribute to projects that significantly impact national security and maritime innovation
- Support engineering, design, and prototype development of electro-mechanical systems and software for autonomous vehicles and related devices and subsystems
- Monitor systems during testing and collect and organize data for analysis
- Identify basic trends in runtime and failures of ASV components and subsystems through data analysis
- Participate in the testing and validation of ASV prototypes and vessel autonomy algorithms, including navigation, object detection, and collision avoidance
- Assist in power calculations and measurement to evaluate vessel performance
- Conduct research and implement solutions for sensor integration, data processing, and machine learning applications
- Contribute to the integration of propulsion systems, control surfaces, and onboard equipment
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and refine ASV prototypes
- Ensure vessel designs support mission-specific operational requirements
- Document progress, prepare and write reports, and present findings to the team
- Support the downstream workflow of directed research, design, and build-related tasks
- Execute engineering report writing, data acquisition, and data analysis
- Contribute using hand and power tools, Arduino, and Raspberry PI programming
- This internship is ideal for students pursuing electrical engineering, computational engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or a related field, and eager to make an impact in the defense tech industry
- Exposure to SPICE-based circuit simulations or equivalent is a plus
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Familiarity with electrical schematic development and usage
- Experience with engineering report writing, data acquisition, data analysis, hand and power tools, Arduino, and Raspberry PI programming
- Exposure to power calculations, measurement, and low voltage systems, 3-phase AC is a plus
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Electrical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Exposure to sensors and data acquisition systems
- Basic experience operating, maintaining, diagnosing, testing, or repairing electrical or electro-mechanical systems
- Basic software skills (Python, C/C++, Linux, or similar) preferred
- Familiarity with networking concepts: ethernet, CAN, serial is a plus
- Exposure to PCB design and development is a plus
- Preferred coursework Circuit Analysis, Analog Design, Digital Logic, Embedded Systems, Real Time Operating Systems, Algorithms, and Data Structures
- Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
- Occasional standing and walking within the office
- Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)