Internship: Market Analysis, AI Exploration & Technical Prototyping - Semiconductor Opportunities in the European Drone Ecosystem
Texas Instruments
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This 6-month internship focuses on analyzing the fast-growing drone ecosystem in Europe, covering both drone platforms and their associated payloads. The objective is to understand how civil and defense UAV markets are evolving—from surveillance drones to loitering munitions—and to evaluate the semiconductor and electronic content embedded in these systems.
In addition to the market analysis, the internship integrates a technical hands-on component: building a functional drone prototype using open-source flight-control software (e.g., ArduPilot or PX4) combined with Texas Instruments semiconductor solutions, including processors capable of running AI workloads at the edge. The goal is to explore how TI’s embedded processors can support onboard intelligence such as obstacle detection, target tracking, sensor fusion, or low-power neural-network inference.
This mixed business + technical internship aims to identify new opportunities for TI and demonstrate the relevance of TI’s hardware portfolio—including AI-capable processors—in future UAV architectures.
The Internship mission consists of the following tasks:
Market & Strategy Component:
- Develop a solid understanding of UAV system architecture, including propulsion, flight-control electronics, communication modules, sensors, processing, and payload categories.
- Study the main drone market segments (civil, industrial, security, military, tactical UAVs, loitering munitions, etc.).
- Analyze the European drone ecosystem (OEMs, integrators, sensor suppliers, system houses, A&D customers).
- Review documentation, standards, certifications, and regulatory constraints relevant to drones and their payloads.
- Map and quantify the semiconductor content inside a drone (processing, signal chain, motor control, power management, RF, sensing, AI acceleration).
- Analyze emerging technology trends such as AI-enabled autonomy, computer vision, intelligent swarming, and on-edge decision-making.
- Identify high-value opportunities for increased engagement and business development in the UAV market.
- Compile all findings into a strategic report with actionable recommendations.
Technical Prototyping Component (Hands-On):
- Build a small drone prototype using open-source firmware such as ArduPilot or PX4.
- Integrate Texas Instruments hardware (motor drivers, power-management ICs, signal-chain components, RF devices, processors).
- Explore how TI processors can support AI functions on the drone, such as object detection, tracking, terrain analysis, and obstacle avoidance.
- Implement a basic AI inference pipeline using TI tools (e.g., TI Edge AI SDK, TIDL, model-optimization frameworks).
- Perform sensor fusion (IMU, camera, radar, ToF) to evaluate autonomy and onboard intelligence capabilities.
- Evaluate processor performance, latency, power consumption, and feasibility of running AI at the edge in UAV systems.
- Document challenges, system bottlenecks, and opportunities for TI processors in intelligent drone architectures.
- Produce a proof-of-concept demonstration showing how TI hardware and AI can enable smarter UAV functionality.
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Connect technical conclusions back to the strategic market analysis and business potential.
Texas Instruments will not sponsor job applicants for visas or work authorization for this position.
- Engineer your future. We empower our employees to truly own their career and development. Come collaborate with some of the smartest people in the world to shape the future of electronics.
- We're different by design. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives are what push innovation forward and what make TI stronger. We value each and every voice, and look forward to hearing yours. Meet the people of TI
- Benefits that benefit you. We offer competitive pay and benefits designed to help you and your family live your best life. Your well-being is important to us.
TI does not make recruiting or hiring decisions based on citizenship, immigration status or national origin. However, if TI determines that information access or export control restrictions based upon applicable laws and regulations would prohibit you from working in this position without first obtaining an export license, TI expressly reserves the right not to seek such a license for you and either offer you a different position that does not require an export license or decline to move forward with your employment.
Profile:
- Enrolled in Electrical engineering
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently as a team member
- Strong technical skills
- Strong communication & ability to present
- Experience with schematic design and layout is preferred
Minimum Requirements:
- Pursuing a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Bio-Medical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering or related field
- Cumulative 3.0/4.0 GPA or higher
- Basic understanding of schematics, layouts and digital components
- Knowledge and understanding of analog circuitry (examples include: op-amps, DC/DC power, data converters, sensing, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, along with soldering and debugging skills
- Programming skills in C/C++ (LabView recommended)
- Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions
- Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery
- Ability to build lasting, influential relationships, both inside and outside the organization
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
- Ability to take initiative and drive for results
- Ability to influence decisions through a sense of urgency and competitive drive