Electrical Engineering Intern (Summer 2025)

Company Overview:

Second Order Effects (SOE) is an engineering consulting firm that transforms uncertainty into fully functional hardware and software. We work on projects at all stages of development; we perform analysis, build prototypes, and take products to market. Our team solves high-impact problems across numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automation, biomedical, and green energy. Our designs control rocket engines, manage satellite communications, instrument fusion reactors, and are enjoyed by consumers around the world. The only thing we won’t build is weapons.

Founded in 2016, Second Order Effects has 50+ employees (and counting!) in offices in El Segundo, California and Redmond, Washington. We've worked with >130 clients on > 300 projects as a partner, on retainer, or on demand.

How do we do this? We prioritize others, build the right thing, welcome difficulty, and play the long game. Learn more at soeffects.com!

Team Overview:

The Electrical Engineering (EE) functional team, which represents SOE’s deepest functional proficiency, is composed of highly skilled and experienced professionals dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable electrical solutions for our customers. With a passion for cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, we strive to exceed client expectations and contribute to the success of every endeavor.

Our team has expertise in analog circuits, mixed-signal designs, embedded programming, RF, power electronics, and optical systems development. This allows us to support a wide variety of customers in different industries and gives our engineers a chance to grow and learn from leaders across different specializations and disciplines. From building consumer gaming electronics to space-rated motor control systems, SOE provides the opportunity to experience every part of the engineering and product development process.

Job Overview:

As an Electrical Engineering Intern, you will find the best solutions and implementations for the problems at hand by considering both hardware- and software-based approaches. Ideally, you have a background in electronic hardware design and embedded firmware or HDL development and are an enthusiastic problem solver who can learn, invent, and execute creative solutions to drive forward difficult projects to ensure success. You will have the opportunity to gain significant on the job learning and will directly apply engineering design fundamentals to produce impactful results.

What You Will Do:

• Report to a mentor who will be responsible for candidate feedback and learning— mentors will also assign tasks and projects to work closely with the teams
• Perform electrical prototyping, schematic capture, PCB layout, and general electrical engineering work
• Use electrical test equipment to make measurements and troubleshoot boards
• Gain exposure to electronic assembly, PCB soldering, and wire harness assembly
• Program microcontrollers or FPGAs and test software applications

What You Will Need:

• Current enrollment in college (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Math, or related field)
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++, R, etc.) or hardware description language (e.g., Verilog, VHDL)
• First or second year circuits classes and knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals
• Curiosity and passion for electrical engineering and technology with the ability to learn and take instruction
• Experience with one or more of the following: analog circuits, mixed-signal designs, embedded programming, RF, power electronics, or optical systems development

What Would Be Useful:

• Experience in team-based design and build projects (e.g., Formula SAE, Solar Car, CubeSat, Rover Challenge, etc.)
• Experience with analog small-signal circuit design (filters, op-amp circuits, signal conditioning) and/or power electronics designs: regulators, load drivers, supply filters, protection circuitry
• Familiarity with RF analysis tools, such as AWR and HFSS
• Familiarity with machining tools including milling machines, lathes, and CNC equipment
• CAD software design experience for PCB and/or mechanical designs, such as Altium Designer, KiCad, Cadence, PADS, EAGLE, etc.
• Experience with circuit simulation using LTspice, Pspice, or similar programs
• Experience in soldering and crim