Embedded Protocol Engineering Intern

As an Embedded Protocol Engineering Intern at Impinj, you will focus on designing and developing the interface between readers and antennas, involving the creation of robust communication links using real-time processing. You will work with wire-based protocols, develop a protocol stack utilizing RTOS, and validate implementations with tools like logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.

To qualify for the Embedded Protocol Engineering Intern position at Impinj, candidates should be pursuing a BS or MS degree in Computer Engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programming in C/C++ and ARM assembly, and an understanding of wire-based protocols and real-time applications are essential. Experience working independently in fast-paced environments is highly valued.

The Embedded Protocol Engineering Intern at Impinj primarily utilizes programming languages such as C and C++, along with ARM assembly. These languages are crucial for developing applications that interact with the hardware and contribute to the protocol stack between the reader and antenna subsystems.

The mentorship experience as an Embedded Protocol Engineering Intern at Impinj is robust and supportive. You will receive guidance from experienced professionals, engage with senior leadership through Q&A sessions, and have access to networking opportunities. This structure helps interns develop impactful skills while contributing to real-world projects.

Impinj interns enjoy a range of benefits, including competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, mentorship, and access to a strong professional network. Interns also benefit from a comprehensive learning environment that promotes work-life balance and personal growth.

When answering this question, discuss specific projects where you utilized wire-based protocols, emphasizing how you developed, implemented, or tested these protocols. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

An effective response should cover your understanding of real-time systems and how you apply concepts such as priority scheduling and resource management. Deliver examples of any projects where you designed real-time applications, explaining your development process and the outcomes.

Discuss the advantages of using a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) in embedded systems, such as predictable timing behavior, efficient resource management, and multi-threading capabilities. Provide examples of situations where you have employed an RTOS in previous projects.

When asked to explain state-machine logic to a non-technical audience, simplify your explanation. Use analogies or real-life situations (like a traffic light system) to illustrate how state machines work, and emphasize their importance in controlling system behavior.

Outline systematic troubleshooting techniques you've employed, such as using logic analyzers or oscilloscopes to visualize signals. Mention debugging strategies, documentation review, and peer consultation, demonstrating your thorough approach to solving problems.

Share a specific example where you managed a project independently, outlining your planning, execution, and review processes. Highlight how you set goals, tracked progress, and ensured quality in your work, showcasing your self-management skills.

Emphasize the critical nature of attention to detail in embedded systems development, touching on how minor errors can lead to significant faults. Support your answer with examples of how thorough testing and careful code reviews have led to successful project outcomes.

When discussing communication styles, highlight methods you use to keep team members informed, such as regular updates, documenting decisions, and utilizing collaborative tools. Mention any experiences where strong communication helped achieve project goals.

Reflect on your values and how they align with Impinj's culture. Discuss your adaptability, willingness to collaborate, and enthusiasm for innovation, providing examples of how you've positively contributed to previous team environments.

Articulate your passion for embedded systems and your admiration for Impinj as a leading technology innovator. Discuss how the role aligns with your career goals and your eagerness to contribute to impactful IoT projects, showing your genuine interest in the company.