Controls/Embedded Systems Intern
Intern 25 - 40 USD per-hour-wageJob Overview
Company Overview
Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.
Nevados is a distributed organization with many team members working remotely, while other roles require an in office and on-site presence. Specifics of the work location, travel expectations and other role requirements are outlined in the position overview. Ideal candidates are self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated Controls/Embedded Systems Intern to build and operate a nightly hardware-in-the-loop test pipeline for wireless-connected devices used in utility-scale solar tracker systems. This role is ideal for a junior-level EE/CE/CS student interested in embedded systems, power electronics, and DevOps practices that improve release reliability for real-world deployments.
You will work closely with embedded software, firmware, and software engineers across lab-based hardware testing and CI orchestration, gaining exposure to the full release workflow, from automated builds and HIL validation to results reporting and issue triage. This internship emphasizes hands-on integration of GitHub Actions, Python scripting, and basic Linux operations with physical test rigs to ensure stable, repeatable, and auditable software delivery.
This is an in-person role based in Oakland, CA. Candidates must be local to the Bay Area. In office attendance will be required at least 2 days per week with additional days on site as needed. The internship will be approximately 4 months in duration, between May and August, but can be flexible to candidate availability.
Company Overview
Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.
Nevados is a distributed organization with many team members working remotely, while other roles require an in office and on-site presence. Specifics of the work location, travel expectations and other role requirements are outlined in the position overview. Ideal candidates are self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated Controls/Embedded Systems Intern to build and operate a nightly hardware-in-the-loop test pipeline for wireless-connected devices used in utility-scale solar tracker systems. This role is ideal for a junior-level EE/CE/CS student interested in embedded systems, power electronics, and DevOps practices that improve release reliability for real-world deployments.
You will work closely with embedded software, firmware, and software engineers across lab-based hardware testing and CI orchestration, gaining exposure to the full release workflow, from automated builds and HIL validation to results reporting and issue triage. This internship emphasizes hands-on integration of GitHub Actions, Python scripting, and basic Linux operations with physical test rigs to ensure stable, repeatable, and auditable software delivery.
This is an in-person role based in Oakland, CA. Candidates must be local to the Bay Area. In office attendance will be required at least 2 days per week with additional days on site as needed. The internship will be approximately 4 months in duration, between May and August, but can be flexible to candidate availability.
Responsibilities
- Set up a nightly build and test pipeline with hardware in the loop for wireless devices.
- Implement automated test results reporting for engineering stakeholders.
- Operate and maintain local CI agents and test rigs.
- Capture and triage failures; escalate issues with clear logs and reproduction steps.
- Keep test configurations versioned and auditable in GitHub.
Tools & Environment
- Python for scripting test orchestration and reporting.
- Basic Linux usage for agent setup, services, and logs.
- GitHub Actions (including self-hosted/local agents).
- Hardware lab access for embedded targets and wireless test setups.
Qualifications
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in EE, CE, or CS; junior or higher.
- Comfortable with GitHub and Python.
- Basic Linux experience.
- Beneficial: exposure to distributed systems (orchestrating multiple services/devices, messaging, resilience patterns).
Impact & Outcomes
- Directly improves reliability of releases deployed to operational solar tracker systems.
- Clear deliverables: a functioning nightly HIL pipeline, automated reporting, documented procedures for operations.
What you will gain
- Insight into DevOps practices for real-world embedded deployments.
- Mentorship from experienced embedded software engineers.
- Experience integrating CI/CD with hardware test environments and wireless devices.
Benefits & Total Compensation Package
Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, commission (if applicable to the role) and stock options commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees and their eligible dependents are offered medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability and vol life. We also offer 401(k) participation, unlimited PTO, generous sick leave, paid company holidays and additional benefit offerings as we continue to grow.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated as a requirement of the role, candidates must be willing to travel at least 10-20% of the time for company off-sites, conferences, trade shows, site visits, and other potential events as needed.
Inclusion at Nevados
Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply anyway. We’re committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. This includes uplifting women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who are underrepresented in cleantech and the broader tech industry. Nevados is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Interview Process
At Nevados, our interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and our team. It typically entails 3-5 conversations over the course of 3-4 weeks. This timeline and format may vary based on the role as well as availability of team members and the candidate. The process is subject to change at any time.
Phone Screen: An initial call with Recruiting to discuss your background, expectations, and interest in the role.
Discussions with Hiring Managers: In-depth calls with hiring managers/team members to assess your technical skills and fit.
Cross Functional Team Member Interviews: Meetings to gauge team dynamics and working style.
Executive Leadership Conversations: Discussions with our executive team to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals and vision.
Professional Reference Checks and Background Check: The final step before an offer involves contacting your provided professional references to verify your qualifications and past performance as well as a background check.
To ensure a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that interviews be completed without the use of real-time AI tools, scripts, or external assistance during live conversations, unless explicitly discussed and approved in advance.
Nevados provides reasonable accommodations for candidates who need them. Please let us know in advance if any adjustments are required.