Fast Facts

Evolv is looking for a SQA Automation Intern for Summer 2026, focused on developing embedded hardware and Python-based automation tools for testing their AI-driven weapons detection system.

Responsibilities: The intern will design and build automation tools for functional and stress testing, collaborate with engineering teams, and present a final project, contributing to the product's quality and safety.

Skills: Experience with Python and C/C++, along with strong problem-solving and curiosity about systems, is essential; experience with test automation and CI/CD is a plus.

Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required; familiarity with AWS and embedded systems is advantageous.

Location: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Compensation: $20 - $27 / Hourly

Internship Title: SQA Automation Intern 

The Elevator Pitch 

Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges and building automation that makes testing smarter, faster, and more reliable? Are you interested in working on real-world AI and machine learning systems that operate in safety-critical environments?

Evolv is seeking an SQA Automation Intern to join our Software Quality Assurance team. In this 10-week internship, you’ll design and build embedded hardware and Python-based automation tools that directly support functional and stress testing of Evolv’s Express weapons detection system. You’ll work across the full engineering lifecycle—from requirements gathering and design to implementation, CI/CD integration, and final presentation—while collaborating closely with Quality, Software, Hardware, and Systems Engineering teams.

This role offers hands-on ownership of a production-impacting automation solution and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Evolv’s mission of making public spaces safer.

Success in the Role: What are performance outcomes will you work toward completing? : 

Within Weeks 1-2: Onboarding & Foundations 

• Kick off the project by meeting with the SQA team to understand goals, scope, and success criteria
• Learn about Evolv’s mission, products, and engineering culture
• Become familiar with the Express weapons detection system and its quality requirements
• Ramp up on existing test tools, automation frameworks, and hardware capabilities
• Collect, document, and review requirements for a next-generation automated test tool
• Understand current testing challenges and quality objectives

Within Weeks 3-8: Build & Iterate 

• Develop hardware and software design specifications for the automation solution
• Identify technical constraints and refine the platform and architecture for implementation
• Document integration details, interfaces, and dependencies
• Implement services on an embedded platform (e.g., Raspberry Pi or similar)
• Build and test a functional prototype with core features
• Integrate the solution into Evolv’s CI/CD pipelines and test automation harnesses
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Software, Hardware, and Systems Engineering teams
• Iterate on the solution based on testing results and feedback

By Weeks 9-10: Deliver & Present

• Debug and resolve defects; validate the solution against documented requirements
• Finalize, package, and deploy a production-ready automated test solution
• Check final code into CI/CD and complete supporting documentation in Confluence
• Actively contribute to quality validation of production software releases
• Prepare and deliver a final presentation (PowerPoint + Confluence) to a cross-functional engineering audience, showcasing design decisions, implementation, and usage examples
• Reflect on learnings and gain clarity on career interests within QA, automation, and engineering

By the end of this internship, you will have:

• Delivered a fully integrated automation tool used for system and stress testing
• Built confidence working across hardware, software, and embedded systems
• Gained hands-on experience integrating tools into CI/CD and automation pipelines
• Strengthened your ability to communicate technical work to a professional engineering audience

The Work: What Will You Do?

You’ll work closely with the SQA team on hands-on technical and collaborative assignments, including:

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance automated test solutions using Python, C/C++, and related technologies
• Work with AWS services, databases, and test infrastructure to support automation workflows
• Navigate and contribute to an existing automation codebase and test hardware environment
• Collect requirements, prototype solutions, and validate functionality through testing
• Package and deliver a production-ready automated test harness (hardware + software)

Team Engagement & Collaboration

• Participate actively in team meetings and technical discussions
• Build strong working relationships across QA and Engineering teams
• Progress from onboarding contributor to recognized SQA automation team member

What We Look for in Applicants

We read every application. To be considered, you should:

• Be pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have experience or coursework involving Python, C/C++, or automation development
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and curiosity about how systems work
• Be comfortable learning new tools, codebases, and technical concepts
• Work well both independently and collaboratively

Bonus points for:

• Experience with test automation frameworks, embedded systems, or hardware-software integration
• Familiarity with AWS, databases, or CI/CD pipelines
• Interest in AI/ML systems, real-time systems, or quality engineering

What is the leadership like for this role? What is the structure and culture of the team? 

You will be joining the SQA team and reporting to the Director of SQA. The team culture is one based on building trust, collaboration, on-going development through kindness, authenticity, courage, drive, and fun! 

Where is the role located? 

The location of this role is based in Waltham, MA with some flexibility commuting outside peak traffic hours, and occasional (rare) remote work with manager’s permission. We do not provide relocation assistance.

What is the pay range? 

The hourly pay range for this internship position is $20-$27 an hour. Our pay ranges are determined by your current level of education.  

Values:

At Evolv, we’re on a mission to help make public spaces safer through innovative security technology. So, we're looking for future teammates who embody our values, people who:

• Do the right thing, always;
• Put people first;
• Own it;
• Win together; and continue to
• Be bold, stay curious.

Evolv Technology (“Evolv”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace, and all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law in the locations where we operate. Evolv will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Evolv is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of the job application process, please connect with us at [email protected].

Evolv participates in E-verify for all employees after the completion of Form I-9.