Summer 2027: Control Systems & Algorithms Intern (May to August)

The role

You will help design and test control algorithms for smart household appliances. The work is hands-on, with real hardware, prototypes and test rigs.

What you will do

• Design and implement real-time control algorithms for appliance subsystems (thermal, fluidic, electromechanical)
• Work directly with pumps, heaters, boilers, AC/DC, stepper motors and their drivers
• Interface with low-cost sensors (temperature, flow, pressure, torque) and implement signal processing, filtering and estimation such as Kalman filters
• Apply classical control methods (frequency response, PID design and tuning) for stability and robustness
• Rapidly build and iterate prototypes and test rigs to validate algorithms on real hardware
• Collect and analyze experimental data to identify system dynamics and optimize performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams from concept to embedded deployment

Required qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's program (third year or beyond), master's, or doctorate program
• Able to work 40 hours per week, 5 days per week onsite in Needham, MA
• Strong understanding of control system theory (frequency response, stability margins, PID design and tuning), classical and advanced control
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and experience with microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32, Arduino or similar)
• Familiarity with real-time signal processing and sensor fusion
• Comfort working hands-on with sensors, actuators, and thermal and electromechanical components
• Strong problem-solving ability and willingness to prototype quickly and iterate
• A natural and effective communicator who can make abstract concepts concrete
• Able to quickly create visual and physical definitions of new products that convey key attributes of function
• Naturally curious and driven to find better solutions to everyday problems

Nice to have

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling, state-space control and model-based design (including Simulink Coder)
• Background in system identification, including real-time or machine-learning-based modeling
• Knowledge of nonlinear optimization algorithms suitable for low-compute, embedded environments
• Familiarity with TinyML, CMSIS libraries or other embedded ML frameworks
• Experience with embedded system architecture and designing control software frameworks

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution
• Sick time
• Company holidays
• Employee product discount
• Product testing opportunities
• Referral bonuses
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Employee stock purchase options
• Wellness programs
• Learning programs and professional development opportunities

Before you apply

• You must be currently enrolled in a bachelor's (third year or beyond), master's, or doctorate program
• Onsite work in Needham, MA, 5 days per week; no relocation or housing assistance
• Due to high application volume, response times may vary

About the company

SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company with the Shark and Ninja brands. It is headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, with more than 4,100 associates.