Hardware Engineering Intern, LiDar (MS or PhD)

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all.

We’re searching for Hardware Engineering Summer 2026 Intern for our LiDar Team in Mountain View, CA.

Our Hardware Engineering organization is fundamental to the development of the Aurora Driver - our revolutionary self-driving technology.

Our work spans mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, product strategy, R&D, ongoing service, and more.

The Aurora Driver is a complex system comprising a primary computer, the Aurora Control Interface (ACI), multiple sensors (like lidar), and various vehicle peripherals. Our teams are responsible for packaging these components into various platforms to meet our rigorous performance, reliability, and safety expectations. To engineer this novel design, the Hardware team works closely with cross-functional internal teams and external partners, using data and analysis to inform our physical products.

In this role you will

• Complete an impactful internship project aligned with Aurora’s current priorities and product vision

• Work with a dedicated Mentor for project guidance and coaching, and collaborate closely with other full-time team members

• Learn more about Aurora, connect with other Interns and employees, and develop new skills through events and hands-on experience

Required qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master's, or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline (Electrical Engineering, Solid State Physics, or Optoelectronics) or a related field.

• Returning to a degree-granting program after the internship concludes (Summer/Fall 2026).

• Prior experience or coursework in sensor technologies (like LiDar or Radar).

• Familiarity with product development of relevant systems.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience in the design of high-power III-V active devices.

• Laser Physics: Deep mastery of light-matter interaction in high-intensity fields and epitaxial design.

• Proficiency in industry-standard tools, specifically PhotonDesign, Lumerical, and RSoft.

• Hands-on experience with process design

• Strong background in the testing and data analysis of semiconductor laser

Hourly Rate in Mountain View, CA

The base hourly pay rate for this internship is as follows:

• $52.00 per hour for interns pursuing a master’s degree; and

• $58.00 per hour for interns pursuing a doctoral degree.

Working at Aurora
At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

Our commitment to inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.