About the role#
Parallel is looking for Software Engineering Interns to help build the software that runs our autonomous rail vehicles and the platform behind our fleet. This is a hands-on role where you will own a scoped project from requirements through delivery. You will work closely with a mentor and see your work tested on real hardware or used by real users. Whether you are writing firmware or building a service, you will learn how software, hardware, and vehicle data fit together. You will also participate in the full engineering lifecycle, including requirements review, design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
What you'll do#
- Write and test code for vehicle control software on microcontrollers or embedded Linux.
- Develop and validate communication interfaces, including bench debugging.
- Bring up onboard sensors and devices for telemetry, health monitoring, and vehicle operation.
- Build services and data pipelines for fleet and telemetry.
- Build APIs and web applications for fleet operations.
- Improve CI/CD, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, deployment, and observability.
- Debug issues across system boundaries.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Hands-on software experience through internships, student teams, research, coursework, or personal projects.
- Strong programming skills in at least one language such as Rust, C, C++, Python, Go, or TypeScript.
- A track record of building software that works in the real world.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug issues across system boundaries.
- Clear communication and comfort asking questions and sharing progress early.
- Excitement about working in a hands-on environment.
- Experience with Rust, C, or C++ on microcontrollers or embedded Linux is a plus.
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
- Experience building APIs, distributed services, data pipelines, or full-stack web applications.
- Familiarity with databases, cloud infrastructure, containers, or CI/CD.
- Exposure to RTOS environments, simulation, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Experience bringing up sensors, actuators, motor controllers, or other real electromechanical systems.
- Experience from hands-on extracurricular engineering teams.
- Strong documentation habits and attention to detail.
Location & details#
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Work Modality: On-site
- Full-time internship
- Paid position
About Parallel
Parallel builds autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles. The company focuses on moving freight from trucks to rail systems. Based in Los Angeles, California, the firm started in 2020. It employs between 11 and 50 people.
How to get in at Parallel
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