Electronics / Embedded Systems Engineer

Kenai Defense

Position Overview

Kenai Defense is seeking a part-time student engineer to support electronics, embedded systems, controls, and prototype development across multiple R&D projects.

This role is ideal for a senior undergraduate or graduate student who enjoys hands-on engineering work and is comfortable building, programming, testing, and debugging hardware. The position will involve developing prototype control systems, integrating sensors and electronics, writing firmware or software tools, and helping turn early-stage technical concepts into working demonstrations.

Responsibilities:

The student engineer may support work in areas such as:

Microcontroller-based control systems

Embedded firmware development

Sensor integration and data acquisition

Multi-channel electronics control

Power switching, driver circuits, and controlled electrical loads

PWM, current control, voltage control, or closed-loop feedback control

Wiring, soldering, crimping, connectorization, and electronics assembly

Breadboard, perfboard, or PCB-based prototype development

PCB layout support and board bring-up

Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or similar technical programming

Basic user interfaces, control scripts, or data-logging tools

Communication protocols such as USB, serial, I2C, SPI, CAN, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi

Test fixture design and electrical test setup support

Troubleshooting electrical noise, grounding, signal integrity, and power-distribution issues

Documentation of circuit designs, firmware, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and results

Desired Skills

Strong candidates will have experience with some of the following:

Microcontrollers such as Arduino, Teensy, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi Pico, or similar

Embedded C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming tools

MOSFETs, relays, motor drivers, LED drivers, heater drivers, or other power-control circuits

Sensors such as thermistors, thermocouples, RTDs, cameras, photodiodes, IMUs, pressure sensors, or environmental sensors

Data acquisition, signal conditioning, filtering, calibration, and logging

PCB design tools such as KiCad, Altium, Eagle, or similar

Soldering, wiring harness assembly, crimping, connector selection, and hardware debugging

Oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, function generators, and other lab equipment

Control systems, feedback loops, PID control, or real-time control logic

Image, signal, or measurement-data processing

Hardware/software integration and prototype troubleshooting

Preferred Background

This role may be a good fit for students in:

Electrical Engineering

Hardware Engineering

Computer Engineering

Robotics

Mechatronics

Embedded Systems

Mechanical Engineering with controls/electronics experience

Applied Physics or related technical fields

Experience with defense technology, sensors, embedded controls, flexible electronics, robotics, thermal systems, RF systems, or prototype hardware is helpful but not required.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

Senior undergraduate or graduate student in a relevant technical field

Strong hands-on electronics and problem-solving ability

Experience ordering PCBs through manufactures (JLCPCB, or PCBWay)

Programming experience in Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or similar

Solid understanding of voltage, current, resistance, power, and electrical safety

Ability to build, test, troubleshoot, and document prototype hardware

Ability to work independently and communicate progress clearly

Willingness to learn new tools, components, and technical areas

Preferred qualifications:

Experience developing microcontroller-based systems

Experience with sensors, data acquisition, or closed-loop control

Experience with MOSFETs, power electronics, or multi-channel driver circuits

Experience designing or modifying PCBs

Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and bench power supplies

Experience writing clear technical documentation for hardware and software projects

Time Commitment

Approximately 10–20 hours per week, depending on project needs and the candidate’s availability. Schedule is flexible around classes, but consistent weekly progress is expected.

Example Deliverables

Depending on project assignment, deliverables may include:

Working prototype electronics

Microcontroller firmware

Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ control software

Sensor integration and data-logging scripts

Wiring diagrams and system block diagrams

PCB layouts or prototype circuit designs

Parts lists and supplier recommendations

Test fixtures or electrical test setups

Test results and technical summaries

Documentation sufficient for another engineer to reproduce or continue the work

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on electronics builder who enjoys practical engineering challenges. This person should be comfortable working across hardware and software, testing ideas quickly, debugging problems, and documenting results. They do not need to know everything at the start, but they should be reliable, careful, curious, and able to make steady progress with limited supervision.

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