As a Hardware Engineering Intern, you will work with our engineering team and contribute to the development of next-generation ocean sensing systems. In this role, you will work closely with Sofar’s hardware and field engineering teams to design, prototype, and test hardware that operates reliably in challenging marine environments. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world ocean technology while contributing to a global ocean sensing network.
Summer 2026: June 29 - August 21st. We ask for a minimum of 10 weeks.
International students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week.
Development of new hardware modules that to enable marine mammal detection
Development and execution of hardware validation test protocols to ensure reliable operation in ocean conditions
Building moorings and other deployment hardware for ocean testing
Supporting hands-on deployment operations at our local ocean test sites
And more! There are many impactful projects on the to-do list - we want to hear what you'd love to work on!
Learn and understand Sofar hardware components and system architecture
Build moorings and support hardware testing at Sofar offices and local test sites
Execute hardware validation and environmental testing for new and existing hardware
Document test procedures and results to support hardware development
Hands on experience with PCB’s and other electronics
Understanding of electronic systems and components
Available to work for 10 weeks onsite in San Francisco
Experience in CAD (Onshape preferred; Solidworks also acceptable)
Experience in testing and validating hardware systems
Pursuing degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field
A passion for or connection to the Oceans!
Top Skills
What We Do
Sofar connects the world's oceans to power a more sustainable future. Sofar unlocks ocean data at scale. We deployed hundreds of Spotters globally to create the world’s largest privately-owned network of ocean sensors that collects 1.5 million real-time observations daily. Our team of ocean scientists assimilates this real-time data into our marine weather forecasts, which are up to 50% more accurate than traditional models.
In maritime shipping, we use these high-accuracy forecasts and vessel performance models to provide optimized guidance and save ships time, fuel, and emissions. We also equip researchers, operators, and innovators with our devices and data to power marine research and sustainable commercial solutions. Customers access data from our global sensor network and deploy our extensible Spotter platform to collect real-time surface and subsurface observations.
Sofar’s team of engineers, ocean scientists, and business professionals is based in San Francisco, California.
