Embedded Firmware Engineering Intern

Job Description

Embedded Firmware Engineering Intern | Johnson Controls

The Tone:
This is a year-round internship at Johnson Controls, located in the greater Milwaukee area. Johnson Controls is a global leader focused on creating smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. In this role, you will contribute to the core mission by developing embedded firmware for HVAC field devices, directly impacting building automation and environmental control systems. This internship provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply classroom theory to real-world engineering challenges.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Year-round (full-time summer, at least 20 hours/week during semester, full-time during breaks)
• Location: In-person, greater Milwaukee area
• Pay: $21–$24 hourly
• Team: Product Development team
• Mission: Supports the design, development, and testing of embedded systems that drive building automation and environmental control for HVAC field devices.
• Tech Stack: C/C++, ARM Cortex-M, STM32, JTAG, SWD, oscilloscopes, Git, Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), BACnet, Modbus, RTOS, Python

What You’ll Actually Do
• Develop: Assist in developing and debugging embedded firmware for HVAC sensors, actuators, and control modules.
• Test: Write and maintain test scripts and validation tools for embedded systems.
• Evaluate: Participate in engineering-level testing of HVAC field devices and embedded platforms.
• Document: Support documentation efforts for firmware architecture, test procedures, and engineering reports.
• Collaborate: Work with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and systems engineering.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Early career professional pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Familiarity with microcontroller platforms (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, STM32) and embedded debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, SWD, oscilloscopes). Experience working with version control systems like Git.
• Skills: Strong programming skills in C/C++ for embedded systems. Highly organized with strong communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Bonus: Exposure to HVAC systems and building automation technologies. Experience with BACnet, Modbus, or other field communication protocols. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and low-power embedded design. Knowledge of scripting languages like Python for test automation. Ideal candidates are Freshmen or Sophomores seeking long-term internship experience.