Firmware/Hardware Design Co-Op Intern (May-Dec)

When you work at Daktronics, you’ll be part of something amazing. We design, engineer, manufacture and support bold, eye-catching digital LED display technology and audio systems.

Our products bring excitement to professional, college and high school games. They attract customers for businesses around the world, and even provide direction for people as they travel, work and play.

As part of the Daktronics team, you’ll have interesting, impactful work with flexible opportunities. You can learn and grow at a company that provides competitive compensation and meaningful benefits – and the people are second to none.

Learn more About Daktronics!

When and where is this opportunity?   

Position located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is open to candidates eligible to work in the U.S.

Internship opportunities available:    

• 12 May 2025 to 12 December 2025 – Check out our Daktronics Internship Video.  
• If your university quarter/semester doesn’t end until after these dates, we may consider an alternate schedule. 

What will work look like for me?    

At Daktronics, you’ll experience challenging and meaningful work; you’ll have a mentor who will challenge you to find solutions, take initiative, and develop a strong understanding of Daktronics products, practices, and procedures. We will make sure you have the knowledge needed to be successful to hit the ground running!   

We will expose you to multiple facets of the embedded world. You will experience a professional business environment where you can sharpen your problem solving and testing skills, grow in your design abilities and processes. We will do our best to prepare you for full-time employment, so we can confidently encourage you to apply for our positions following the internship.      

• Troubleshoot existing designs.  
• Assist in manual testing of hardware and software.  
• Prototype verification, such as:    
  • Verify circuit operating parameters (i.e. rise and fall times, regulator stability, etc.). 
  • Taking measurements with a multi-meter and high-speed oscilloscope.  
• Create test reports.   
• Characterize video source components (i.e., cable length).   
• Signal integrity testing.   
• Develop documentation to support designs, fixtures, and procedures.   
• Develop and support applications using Linux, C, C#, C++, VHDL/Verilog, Python, and/or Tera Term programming languages.   
• Design and implement test fixtures and procedures.   
• Complete quality work in a timely manner.   
• Regularly work scheduled hours.   
• Perform other projects and duties as needed to meet customer expectations.  

What is the pay and perks? 

The typical hiring pay for this position is $25.00/hour to $27.00/hour. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including relevant education, experiences, location, and applicable local legislation. 

We also offer financial Relocation Assistance for positions that require placement in a specific location. 

This position will be eligible for company benefits including, employee discount program, employee assistance program, community donation program, unpaid time off, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, leaves, disability, and accommodations.   

This information is intended to be a general overview and may be modified by Daktronics due to factors affecting the business. 

Academic Requirements:  

• Candidate must be enrolled as a student and registered for at least 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate) at the time of application. 
• Preferred candidate would be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.   
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced calculus across multiple semesters.  
• Demonstrated proficiency in a calculus based physics.  
• Preferred applicant would be of at least junior status in school.   
  • Ability to take a semester off from school to complete the internship, if applicable.  
  • Ability to work through the Cooperative Education/Internship Program at your accredited university and Faculty Coordinator to arrange for credit while participating in this 7-month internship, as needed. 
  • Students who will start the internship the semester immediately following undergraduate bachelor’s degree graduation will also be considered.  
• Only strong academic performers will be considered, preference to 3.0 or greater.  
• Unofficial transcripts or web transcripts must be submitted with application to be considered for this internship.  

Preferred Experiences:  

• Programming knowledge in C, C++, C#, Python, and “VHDL/Verilog” preferred.   
• Course completion or currently taking related to coding for hardware. 
• Good oral and written communication skills, ability to communicate complex technical concepts. 
• Shown ability to work collaboratively on projects or with a partner/team.     

Other Requirements:  

• Must be able to commit to 40 hours per week.  
• Good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, self-motivation.  
• Good problem solving and critical thinking skills.    
• Dedication and desire for quality performance.    
• Ability to work with odors (solder/coating).   
• Follow company policies.    
• Work with little supervision.   
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.   
• Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.   
• Daktronics does not sponsor, renew, or extend immigration visas for this position. 

Daktronics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetics, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or citizenship status. If you would like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.