PCB Design & Applications Intern

Trace builds AI-native tools for schematic capture, component selection, PCB layout and manufacturing workflows. We are looking for a high-agency hardware builder who takes ownership of design evaluations, issue reproduction and applications tasks. You should investigate problems, verify your work and deliver clear, useful results — not wait for someone to prescribe every step.

What you'll own

• Recreate scoped reference designs and evaluate schematic, footprint, placement and routing workflows
• Reproduce reported issues, isolate causes and deliver actionable bug reports with reliable test cases
• Verify component choices and design outputs against datasheets, ERC/DRC and explicit constraints
• Prepare tutorials and troubleshooting guidance; follow through on assigned onboarding and applications tasks
  
  

What good work looks like

• Evidence-based engineering judgment: review AI output critically and separate verified facts from assumptions
• Clear explanations, reproducible findings and completed tasks rather than vague observations
• Proactive issue triage, reliable follow-up and appropriate escalation of unresolved risks
  
  

Who should apply

Currently enrolled undergraduates, including first-year students, with at least one circuit, schematic or PCB project and evidence of initiative. Understand components, nets and footprints, read datasheets and explain your own decisions. KiCad, Altium or similar EDA experience is welcome. Your board need not be commercially shipped. Resourcefulness, patient communication and follow-through matter; fabrication, soldering and firmware experience are helpful, not required.

Ownership and agency

• High agency is essential: identify what needs doing and propose the next step without waiting for detailed instructions
• Take ownership of scoped tasks from planning through completion; manage priorities and meet agreed deadlines
• Communicate progress clearly, flag blockers early and bring options rather than leaving problems unresolved
• Check your work, act on feedback and close the loop; seek review before publishing or making customer-facing engineering decisions
  
  

The internship

This internship is unpaid. It does not promise or guarantee a future paid position. Separate paid opportunities depend on company needs, funding, eligibility and selection. Academic credit is not guaranteed. Interns have supervision and do not replace paid staff or independently own business-critical work.

• Ongoing, potentially long-term part-time engagement; start date and duration are agreed individually
• 8–12 hours per week, with flexibility around classes and exams
• Fully remote; applications welcome worldwide, subject to eligibility where you will work
• Defined responsibilities, a named mentor and weekly progress reviews
• Educational support alongside ownership of scoped deliverables; non-confidential portfolio samples where practical
  
  

How to apply

Submit the short form and one existing example: a link or brief description is enough; a résumé is optional. Shortlisted applicants discuss their interests, availability and existing work. No unpaid take-home assignment. Do not share confidential designs, client information or credentials; redacted work is welcome. For accommodations, contact hello@buildwithtrace.com. Trace considers applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.