Embedded Systems Validation Engineering Intern

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects, Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow, collaborate, and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy-duty transportation and equipment.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people, where we create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas, allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages, and opportunities to develop professionally.

Internship Overview:

The Embedded Systems Validation Engineering Intern will create automated tests and processes for Proterra's Battery Management Software (BMS). This internship provides hands-on experience in testing battery management software and battery electronics while building out an automated test suite and related processes to be used in current and future products.

The intern will validate BMS embedded software behavior, fault handling, and communication protocols across a range of test environments, including simulated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) , various bench test setups, and full battery-pack configurations as active elements in the test loop . The intern will also participate in Energy Storage Systems (ESS)-level validation reviews and test coverage audits.

About the Role:

• Develop and execute methods to validate BMS embedded software behavior and fault handling
• Translate manual tests to automated tests using dSPACE AutomationDesk, Simulink/MATLAB and Python
• Build and contribute to an automated test pipeline from test request to result reporting
• Design and execute fault injection test cases to validate BMS fault detection and response across software and hardware interfaces
• Set up and run tests on high voltage test cyclers and physical battery pack test configurations · Document test procedures, results and defects with clear detail.
• Define and develop new test capabilities and improvements for future BMS programs

Your Experience Includes:

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Proficient using Python and/or MATLAB - Simulink
• Understanding of CAN or related communication protocols (e.g., J1939)
• Ability to read electrical schematics and understand circuit behavior
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate technical documentation
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams

Preferred (MS candidates): Experience or coursework in embedded systems, controls or battery/power systems

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: A well-compensated, full-time internship
• Hands-On Experience: Real-world exposure to advanced battery manufacturing and facility planning
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced manufacturing and facilities engineers
• On-Site Experience: Work directly within a high-tech production environment
• Company Swag: Proterra-branded merchandise

Designed and assembled in the United States, Proterra's innovative battery platform offers industry-leading energy density, durability, performance and safety systems - enabling Proterra EV batteries to be the premium choice for commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.

Proterra's battery technology offers industry-leading energy density, safety systems, and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.

Location: Greer, SC Onsite

Duration: Summer 2026 (May - August)

Travel: 0

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

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