Summer 2026 Intern - Software Engineering (Firmware)
- Intern
- Job Type (exemption status): Non-Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below
- Salary Range: 32.45-43.24
- Business Function: Engineering Support
- Work Location: Irvine Office--LOC_WDT_USCA01
Company Description
The future. It’s on you. You & Western Digital.
We’ve been storing the world’s data for more than 50 years. Once, it was the most important thing we could do for data. Now we’re helping the world capture, preserve, access and transform data in a way only we can.
The most game-changing companies, consumers, professionals, and governments come to us for the technologies and solutions they need to capture, preserve, access, and transform their data.
But we can’t do it alone. Today’s exceptional data challenges require your exceptional skills. It’s You & Us. Together, we’re the next big thing in data.
Western Digital® data-centric solutions are found under the G-Technology™, HGST, SanDisk®, Tegile™, Upthere™, and WD® brands.
Job Description
WDC is a leading innovator in Enterprise Storage. We are looking for a passionate and skilled Firmware Engineering Intern to join our advanced development team for the summer (Irvine, CA). This position provides students with a unique opportunity to work on real-world problems with our latest technology and gain valuable industry experience in firmware development.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Dive into building the next generation of heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology. Unleash your creativity and technical skills on new designs.
- Assist in designing, developing, and testing firmware solutions
- Collaborate with the engineering team to define firmware requirements and specifications.
- Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C/C++ or other relevant languages.
- Participate in code reviews and adhere to firmware coding standards.
- Debug and troubleshoot firmware issues in embedded systems.
- Conduct and participate in testing sessions to ensure firmware performance and reliability.
- Develop Python scripts for test automation, log parsing, and data checks.
- Document development processes and maintain firmware documentation.
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to work on challenging firmware development projects in a real-world setting.
- Guidance and mentorship from experienced engineers.
- A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work culture.
- Networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Qualifications
Required:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on embedded systems or firmware development graduating in Dec 2026 or May 2027.
- Must have the ability to work onsite without relocation assistance
- Strong programming skills in C, C++, python and familiarity with embedded systems.
- Understanding of microcontrollers, peripherals, and interface protocols (e.g., UART).
- Familiarity with software testing practices and test-driven development
- Experience or willingness to learn AI-assisted coding and development tools
- Experience with version control tools like Git.
Preferred:
- Prior internship or project experience in firmware or embedded systems is highly desirable.
- Basics with RTOS concepts, or BSP
Skills:
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Additional Information
Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.
Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.
Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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