
Embedded Software Engineering Intern at Gecko Robotics (Pittsburgh, PA)
Gecko Robotics· Pittsburgh, PA·
Role details
Job description
What We Do
Gecko Robotics is helping the world’s most important organizations ensure the availability, reliability, and sustainability of critical infrastructure. Gecko's complete and connected solutions combine wall-climbing robots, industry-leading sensors, and an AI-powered data platform to provide customers with a unique window into the current and future health of their physical assets. This enables real-time decision making to increase the efficiency and safety of operations, promote mission readiness, and protect the environment and civilization from the effects of infrastructure failure.
Role at a Glance
Gecko Robotics is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to join RoboSPLAT within Field Infra in Pittsburgh for Summer 2027. This is a full-time, onsite internship, Monday through Friday. RoboSPLAT builds software and tools that help teams develop, deploy, debug, and operate Gecko’s robotic and ultrasonic testing (UT) collection systems. You will work primarily in C/C++ and Python on a defined project that improves system integration, diagnostics, testing, or development workflows.
What you will do
- Develop C/C++ and Python software for a defined embedded software project under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Build or improve tooling, diagnostics, tests, or workflows that reduce friction in developing, debugging, and deploying software on robot hardware.
- Work across software and system boundaries by integrating services or hardware-facing interfaces, investigating system behavior, testing solutions, and documenting findings.
- Use version control, code review, and structured debugging practices to produce maintainable code.
- Collaborate with RoboSPLAT and partner teams, communicate status and tradeoffs clearly, and deliver a final demonstration and handoff.
Technologies We Use (If Applicable) C/C++, Python, Git, Linux, networking, and ROS 2. Depending on the project, you may also work with the Yocto Project, NVIDIA Jetson Orin, cloud infrastructure, or Electron, React, and TypeScript.
About You
You are a hands-on engineering student who wants to understand how software behaves on real hardware. You work methodically, seek out missing knowledge, communicate clearly, and care about building tools and systems that others can use. Required Skills
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related engineering discipline, with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and May 2028.
- Ability to work onsite in Pittsburgh, Monday through Friday, for the full Summer 2027 internship.
- Foundational programming experience in C/C++ and Python, including object-oriented programming.
- Working familiarity with Git or similar version control systems.
- Understanding of basic computer networking.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical work, explain findings and tradeoffs, and collaborate on ambiguous problems.
- Ability to independently close knowledge gaps, stay organized, and learn from feedback.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with ROS 2.
- Familiarity with embedded Linux systems or platforms such as the Yocto Project or NVIDIA Jetson Orin.
- Exposure to cloud infrastructure, preferably GCP.
- Experience building applications with Electron, React, or TypeScript.
- Exposure to embedded communication protocols, microcontrollers, or real-time operating systems is a plus.
- Ability to work with basic electronic systems, read simple schematics, and use common lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and programmable power supplies.
Who We Are
At Gecko, our people are our greatest investment. In addition to competitive compensation packages, we offer company equity, 401(k) matching, gender-neutral parental leave, full medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health, ongoing professional development, family planning assistance, and flexible paid time off. Gecko values collaboration, innovation, and partnership, and we believe we do our best work when we're together in person. We’re an office-first culture but understand that sometimes you may need to work from home. Many people are in the office five days a week, others need a bit more flexibility. Ultimately, we care about the outcomes we achieve - and creating a culture of autonomy and trust that enables that impact. Gecko is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe it is our collective responsibility to uphold these values and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to join us in our mission to protect today’s infrastructure and give form to tomorrow’s. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law. If you are passionate about what you do and want to use your talents to support our critical mission, we’d love to hear from you.
Why work at Gecko Robotics
- High-impact work: Engineers and operators work on problems that directly affect national security, energy reliability, and industrial safety. "Your work unlocks solutions at the bedrock of the world’s most critical industries." — Careers Page
- Culture: Described as "Rust on our boots, dirt under our nails" — hands-on, gritty, real-world engineering. The team is driven by solving complex physical-world problems.
- Hybrid/Office: Offices in Pittsburgh (HQ), Houston, Boston, New York City, and Abu Dhabi. Field roles are heavily on-site.
- Engineering culture: Strong emphasis on Forward Deployed Engineers (builders in the field), robotics, software, and 3D visualization. Engineering culture is described as ambitious, autonomous, and impact-focused.
- Talent sources: Frequent hires from Palantir, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, Carnegie Mellon, Aurora, and US Navy — indicating a culture of high-performance and technical rigor.
- Notable perks:
- Company is at the frontier of AI + Robotics with a $1.25B valuation and strong government contracts
- Opportunities for field deployment to customer sites (power plants, naval bases, oil rigs)
- Open roles include: Forward Deployed Engineer, Robot Field Operator, Software Engineer (3D Visualization), Product Security Engineer, NDT Specialist — LinkedIn