Firmware Engineering Intern (Embedded)

TL;DR

Firmware Engineering Intern (Embedded): Developing embedded C firmware for controlling DSP hardware in Networking PAM4 DSPs for data center optical modules with an accent on multi-core MCU optimization and error management. Focus on designing finite state machines for parallel tasks, scripting performance analysis, and driving full software development cycle from concept to customer release.

Location: Pavia, Italy (onsite). Must be a last-year master's student enrolled at an accredited Italian university or recent graduate (within last 12 months).

Company

hirify.global builds semiconductor solutions that power data infrastructure for enterprise, cloud, AI, and carrier networks, including DSPs in major cloud data centers.

What you will do

• Develop embedded C firmware to control DSP hardware.
• Create C and Python test code for utilities, GUIs, regression, and simulation.
• Take features from concept through design, review, implementation, testing, and release.
• Work on mission-critical features for top cloud customers.
• Debug complex issues with HW/SW teams and resolve via Jira.
• Optimize firmware routines using multi-core MCU architecture and finite state machines.

Requirements

• Must be last-year master's student in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics, Mathematics, Physics or similar at accredited Italian university, or recent graduate (last 12 months).
• Fundamentals of microcontroller architecture (ARM, RISC-V a plus).
• Understanding of Networking OSI model, focus on PHY and data link layers.
• Basic knowledge of processor interaction with memories and peripherals.
• Experience in C and Python; git, Linux, makefiles, gdb, IDEs, bash a plus.
• Good English communication skills.
• Curious, driven to learn, excellent problem-solving.

Nice to have

• Software development experience in embedded firmware.
• Understanding of DSP concepts (equalizers, filters, ADC/DAC, PAM modulation).
• Experience with Jira, GitLab, code reviews, Jenkins, regression testing.

Culture & Benefits

• Paired with mentor for guidance and feedback.
• Networking events with interns and team members.
• Competitive compensation and benefits in collaborative, transparent environment.
• Tools and resources for growth and impactful work.
• Experience with full software development cycle, Linux/Windows dev, CI (Jenkins), git.

Hiring process

• Interviews evaluate experience, thought process, and communication without AI tools (disqualification if used).
• May require U.S. export control eligibility review for non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents.