Programmer

As a Programmer at The Toro Company, your key responsibilities will include gathering and analyzing technical data from various sources, developing and debugging embedded hardware and firmware, and creating prototypes to ensure compliance with specifications. You'll also prepare comprehensive documentation and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive continual innovation.

To qualify for the Programmer position at The Toro Company, candidates should be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science or graduate program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with at least 60 credit hours completed. Furthermore, a solid understanding of embedded hardware and firmware development, ideally with proficiency in C/C++, is highly preferred.

Interns in the Programmer role at The Toro Company can expect to gain valuable hands-on experience in developing cutting-edge technology for turf maintenance equipment. You'll work on real-world projects, produce prototypes, and learn from experienced professionals, paving the way for future career growth in the engineering field.

Teamwork is a cornerstone of the Programmer internship at The Toro Company. Interns collaborate closely with engineers, product managers, and suppliers, fostering an environment of innovation where ideas can flourish and team-driven solutions can emerge.

Key skills for a Programmer at The Toro Company include strong problem-analysis capabilities, proficiency in languages such as C/C++, C#, and Python, familiarity with communication protocols like SPI, I2C, RS232, and CAN, along with excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with team members.

In your response, outline any relevant coursework or projects you've completed that involve embedded systems. Discuss specific technologies you have worked with, any challenges faced, and how you overcame them, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Highlight your role, the collaborative process, and the outcome. Focus on how teamwork contributed to the success of the project.

Be honest about your strengths in programming languages. You may want to mention C/C++ for embedded systems and C# or Python for application development, explaining your experiences and preferences based on what you've learned in school or previous projects.

Explain your process of breaking down problems into manageable pieces, debugging systematically, and leveraging resources like documentation or peer discussions. Providing a specific example can illustrate your methodology effectively.

Share your passion for technology and how it drives you. Discuss specific experiences that fueled your interest, such as internships, hands-on projects, or events attended, emphasizing your eagerness to contribute to meaningful advancements.

Discuss your approach to validation, such as running tests throughout the development process. Mention how you would gather feedback from stakeholders and use iterative improvements to ensure the prototype aligns with expectations.

Describe your organizational skills, such as prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and using tools like project management software or simple to-do lists. Highlight how these methods help you manage your time efficiently.

If you have experience creating documentation, summarize the type of document, its purpose, and key elements you included. Describe how you ensured it was comprehensive and useful for your audience.

Discuss your proactive approach to learning, like taking online courses, participating in coding boot camps, or working on personal projects. Emphasize any strategies you use to quickly familiarize yourself with new tech.

Share your admiration for The Toro Company's innovative projects and contributions to turf maintenance technology. Discuss how the company's commitment to quality aligns with your career goals and how you hope to contribute to its mission.