About the role#
This internship program is administered by the University of South Florida (USF) Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) in collaboration with SOFWERX. You will serve as a USF IAE temporary employee and a student intern, contributing to projects designed to solve complex warfighter problems. This position is paid at a rate of $18.50 per hour.
What you'll do#
- Assist with the design, development, and testing of electrical systems for defense-related technologies and prototypes.
- Support the integration of embedded systems, sensors, and control electronics into robotic or communication platforms.
- Conduct research on emerging technologies, electrical components, and power systems relevant to SOFWERX projects.
- Participate in hardware troubleshooting, circuit design, and system validation activities.
- Engage with engineers, subject matter experts, and project teams to contribute to innovative, real-world solutions.
- Perform weekly market research and submit entries on new technologies, components, or companies that could support future innovation.
What you'll need#
- U.S. citizenship is required due to Department of Defense funding and access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- Current pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics.
- Junior or Senior academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Strong planning and organizational skills, including integrity, accuracy, dependability, and confidentiality.
- Experience working with a variety of engineering students is preferred.
- Knowledge of embedded programming, power electronics, and control systems is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Tampa, Florida.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Modality: This position is on-site with limited remote work opportunities.
- Time Commitment: 15 to 20 hours per week during the semester.
About University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a public research institution founded in 1956. It operates across three campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. The university serves approximately 50,000 students from nearly 150 countries. Its research activities focus on global challenges and patent development.
How to get in at University of South Florida
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