Embedded Systems & Firmware Engineering Intern

Electrical Engineering Intern — OrthoIQ 0 Skip to Content Home About Careers Contact Open Menu Close Menu Home About Careers Contact Open Menu Close Menu Home About Careers Contact Embedded Systems & Firmware Engineering Intern Location: Cambridge, MA Duration: Spring or Summer 2027 (10+ weeks) About OrthoIQ OrthoIQ is an MIT-founded medical technology startup developing intelligent surgical tools for orthopedic procedures. Our systems provide real-time sensing and feedback to surgeons, helping improve implant fixation, reduce complications, and improve surgical outcomes. We are building a new class of smart orthopedic instrumentation, combining mechanical systems, sensing, and data to bring intelligence into the operating room. Role Overview We are seeking an Embedded Systems & Firmware Engineering Intern to help develop the embedded electronics and control systems behind our next-generation orthopedic surgical tools. This is a highly hands-on role where you will contribute to embedded hardware and firmware development, from system architecture and circuit design through prototyping, integration, and testing. Interns should expect significant technical ownership while collaborating closely with our engineering team on architecture and design reviews. Responsibilities Embedded electronics architecture and PCB design MCU/processor evaluation and selection based on system requirements Embedded C/C++ and real-time firmware development Sensor interfaces, ADCs, signal conditioning, communications, and power electronics Port validated signal-processing and detection algorithms onto embedded hardware Develop real-time control and safety-critical system architectures Motor/actuator control and hardware-software integration Prototype, debug, test, and characterize embedded systems Support design for reliability, EMC, power, thermal constraints, and medical-device development Desired Qualifications Pursuing or recently completed a BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field Experience with microcontrollers and embedded systems Experience with embedded C/C++ Familiarity with circuit design and PCB development Experience with sensors, ADCs, motors, or control systems preferred Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, soldering, and hardware debugging Comfortable independently solving technical problems in an early-stage startup environment What You'll Gain Significant ownership of hardware that may progress toward clinical testing Experience taking an embedded system from prototype through integrated medical-device development Exposure to regulated and safety-critical product development Experience working across electrical, mechanical, software, and clinical disciplines Close collaboration with experienced engineers and orthopedic surgeons Application: Please apply through Handshake for Spring and Summer 2027. A portfolio (doesn’t have to be polished, can even be a slide deck!) is required . We want to see pictures of what you’ve built! What you’ll work on Build the next generation of surgical hammers Our main product is an orthopedic automatic hammer with an integrated sensor that tells the surgeon when to stop hammering. Right now they judge when to stop hammering based on feel, but overhammering can cause bone fractures and underhammering causes the implant to loosen over time. Interns will help solve real engineering challenges in mechanism design, prototyping, component selection, thermal management, and reducing weight and recoil. Help us integrate sensing/controls and prove reliability We’re integrating sensors to measure what happens during each impact and exploring whether those signals can identify when an implant has reached stable fixation. Interns may build test rigs and data-acquisition systems, run experiments, and analyze mechanical and sensor data. Turn a prototype into a medical device Surgical devices have to work reliably across different implants, bone conditions, loads, and repeated use. Our device must be manufacturable, sterilizable, reliable, serviceable, and intuitive to use in the operating room. Interns will contribute to DFM/DFA, reliability and verification testing, design iteration, and the engineering decisions required to move from prototype to production. Join a tight-knit intern cohort that’s passionate about improving patient care. OrthoIQ Inc. Contact exec@orthoiqinc.com (818) 813-1880