About the Role
Firmware Engineer Intern (Leo) Location: San Jose, California Employment type: Full-time internship Schedule: 40 hours per week About the role As a Firmware Engineer Intern on the Leo Firmware team, you will contribute to embedded software that helps bring up, validate, and improve high-speed connectivity products supporting the next generation of rack-scale AI infrastructure. You will work across C and Python codebases, build practical debugging skills, and collaborate with firmware, hardware, systems, and validation engineers to turn requirements into reliable product functionality. This role offers hands-on exposure to firmware development, lab testing, automation, and system-level problem solving. You will work in a fast-moving engineering environment where interns are encouraged to learn quickly, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions to real products. What you’ll do Implement and enhance embedded firmware in C for high-speed connectivity products. Develop Python scripts and tools for test automation, device configuration, log parsing, and data analysis. Translate requirements into clear, maintainable code with guidance from experienced firmware engineers. Support firmware bring-up on embedded platforms and assist with board- and system-level debugging. Execute functional, regression, and interoperability tests; document results and track issues. Use lab equipment and software tools to isolate failures, verify fixes, and improve product quality. Partner with hardware, systems, and validation engineers to investigate issues and deliver integrated solutions. Participate in code reviews and apply feedback to improve reliability, readability, and maintainability. Contribute to design notes, test plans, debug reports, and other engineering documentation. Take ownership of an assigned project and work toward a proof of concept, usable framework, or production-ready contribution. Communicate progress, technical findings, and project outcomes clearly, including through an end-of-program presentation. Basic qualifications Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Embedded-firmware experience through coursework, research, personal projects, or a prior internship. Proficiency in C and Python. Understanding of embedded-systems concepts, including microcontrollers, memory, interrupts, and peripheral interfaces. Demonstrated ability to debug methodically, learn quickly, collaborate effectively, and communicate technical findings clearly. Preferred qualifications Experience developing firmware for an ARM-based microcontroller, such as STM32. Familiarity with UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, timers, or similar embedded interfaces and peripherals. Exposure to real-time operating-system concepts or bare-metal firmware development. Experience using JTAG or SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar hardware-debugging tools. Familiarity with Linux-based firmware development, build toolchains, or cross-compilation workflows. Interest in high-speed connectivity, signal integrity, or physical-layer concepts. Internship experience and compensation This is a paid, hourly U.S. internship. The applicable hourly rate is determined as part of the offer process and specified in the offer letter, depending on education level ranges form $35/hour to $55/hour. U.S. interns currently receive a $500-per-week housing/relocation stipend for the duration of the internship. Interns participate in Early Career programming, including technical and professional-development sessions, community events, and an end-of-program project presentation. Equal opportunity Astera Labs is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage anyone with relevant experience to apply.