SDV Student Intern

Description

IAV is offering exciting opportunities to join dynamic teams with exposure to top tier projects!

We are offering Hybrid Work Flexibility! APPLY TODAY!

IAV Group is an engineering and technical consultancy servicing the global automotive industry with approximately 7,000 employees worldwide and more than 40 years of experience. As a recognized leader in the specification, design, development, validation and production launch of advanced vehicle and powertrain systems, IAV Automotive Engineering deploys a leading team of technical experts, engineering tools and program processes from its North American Headquarters in Novi, Michigan.

IAV is currently seeking motivated and curious SDV Enabler Co-op (Student Intern) at our North American Headquarters in Novi, Michigan.

Why Join Us:

At IAV, you'll be part of a global leader in automotive engineering. We offer a dynamic work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and diversity. Join us in driving the future of mobility.

About the Department 

The SDV Enablers department at IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. is at the forefront of developing and integrating Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). The team combines deep automotive expertise with modern software engineering practices and AI-infused toolchains to deliver flexible, scalable solutions across the entire vehicle architecture. Our work spans development standards, system architecture, software development, testing and validation, cybersecurity, cloud connectivity, and AI-driven development.

As a co-op student, you will gain hands-on experience working on real-world automotive software challenges while collaborating with experienced engineers in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Position Overview 

The SDV Enablers Co-op (Student Intern) will support ongoing development, testing, and integration activities related to software-defined vehicle technologies. In addition to core automotive SDV work, there may be opportunities to contribute to general embedded systems and embedded software projects, including applications in IoT and robotics, depending on project needs and student interests.

The Co-op will be assigned to internal engineering projects, some of which may be developed for technology demonstrations, trade shows, and internal or customer-facing tech days. 

The position reports directly to the SDV Enablers Manager, with day-to-day technical guidance and task assignments provided by a Senior Engineer. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support software development activities across SDV-related projects, including architecture, implementation, and testing.
• Assist with testing and validation efforts using MiL, SiL, and HiL environments.
• Contribute to test automation and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Support compliance activities related to automotive standards such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), ISO 21434 (Cybersecurity), and ISO 24089 (Software Updates).
• Assist in the development and documentation of system and software architectures.
• Support AI-infused development tools and data-driven approaches to improve development efficiency.
• Participate in agile development processes (e.g., SCRUM, Automotive SPICE).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, systems, validation, and cloud infrastructure engineers.

Learning Opportunities 

• Exposure to software-defined vehicle architectures and E/E system integration.
• Hands-on experience with automotive software development and testing tools.
• Introduction to functional safety, cybersecurity, and software update management in an automotive context.
• Experience with AI-driven development approaches and modern toolchains.
• Practical understanding of cloud services and vehicle connectivity solutions.
• Opportunities to work on embedded systems projects beyond automotive applications.
• Exposure to IoT and robotics systems, including sensor integration, device communication, and control software.

You will be working in a highly motivated team on demanding and trend-setting assignments with a great deal of scope for your ideas. Our qualification program promotes your professional and personal development. All of that offered in a modern, attractive working environment with a constantly growing, globally operating successful company.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Must be able to manage school and internship schedules.
• Must have at least one year remaining before graduation at the start of the co-op term
• Basic understanding of software development principles
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., C/C++, Python, Java)
• Foundational knowledge of embedded systems, including microcontrollers, processors, and peripherals
• Basic understanding of embedded software concepts such as interrupts, timers, memory management, and real-time behavior.
• Interest in automotive systems, embedded software, or software-defined vehicles
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to automotive standards (ISO 26262, ISO 21434, Automotive SPICE)
• Familiarity with ASPICE (Automotive SPICE) processes
• Basic understanding of functional safety concepts
• Experience or coursework in embedded C/C++ development
• Working knowledge of Python for scripting, testing, or automation
• Experience with compiling and debugging embedded C code
• Understanding of AUTOSAR concepts and architecture
• Familiarity with CAN protocol and in-vehicle communication concept
• Ability to read datasheets to understand and integrate chips and peripherals
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics
• Hands-on experience with soldering and basic hardware bring-up is a plus
• Familiarity with test automation concepts or tools
• Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)
• Understanding of communication protocols used in embedded, IoT, and automotive systems (e.g., CAN, LIN, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, MQTT)
• Exposure to IoT platforms, sensors, or edge devices
• Interest in robotics, control systems, or autonomous systems
• Interest in AI, machine learning, or data-driven development
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)

What We Offer 

• Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge automotive software environment
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and technical experts
• Exposure to real-world SDV projects and industry standards
• Opportunity to develop both technical and professional skills
• Collaborative and innovative work culture

Location & Duration 

• IAV North America IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. located in Novi, MI
• Part-time work schedule of 20 hours per week, depending on project workload and academic requirements; 1 year term-commitment.
• Duration and work schedule aligned with academic requirements

This position is ideal for students eager to build practical experience in software-defined vehicles, embedded systems, and modern automotive software development while contributing to impactful internal projects.