PRS Facility Location
Independence, MO PRIIS - 287
Job Purpose
Progress Rail's Signaling division is looking for Firmware Engineering Interns to join our team in Independence, MO for the summer of 2026. You'll work alongside experienced engineers developing embedded firmware for safety-critical railway signaling systems deployed across North America's largest railroads. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world experience in embedded systems - from writing low-level drivers to debugging hardware on the bench.
Req ID
11711BR
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Education / Training
Currently pursuing a BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (rising Junior or Senior preferred)
Job Title
Internship, Firmware Engineer
City
Independence
Key Job Elements
• Develop and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ targeting ARM-based microcontrollers;
• Assist with board bring-up, peripheral driver development, and hardware integration;
• Write and execute unit tests for firmware modules;
• Use bench equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers) to validate firmware behavior on real hardware;
• Document firmware designs, test results, and procedures;
• Participate in code reviews and team design discussions;
• Collaborate with electrical and test engineers to resolve integration issues.
Qualifications and Experience
• Coursework or project experience in C or C++ programming;
• Basic understanding of microcontrollers and embedded systems concepts;
• Familiarity with digital logic fundamentals (registers, interrupts, memory-mapped I/O);
• Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn.
Preferred Qualifications
• Hands-on experience with ARM Cortex-M development boards (STM32, TI, NXP, etc.);
• Exposure to an RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar);
• Experience with serial communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN);
• Familiarity with Git version control;
• Prior internship or co-op in an embedded or hardware-adjacent role;
• Interest in safety-critical or industrial systems;
• Languages - C, C++, Python (scripting) || Platforms | ARM Cortex-M, STM32, TI C2000/MSP430, NXP ;
• Tools - JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, GCC toolchain ;
• Protocols | SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, RS-485 ;
• Software | Git, VS Code, terminal/command line .
EEO
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.** - Competitive Salary
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time-Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Education Assistance Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
- Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
- Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan gui