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Hardware Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

IMC Trading · Chicago, IL · Development (Group)

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a hardware project you built. What went wrong and how did you fix it?

What they are checking: Hands-on experience and how they debug real hardware problems.

What software languages have you used alongside hardware design, and for what?

What they are checking: Breadth across software and hardware, which the posting lists as a plus.

Why do you want to do hardware engineering at a trading firm?

What they are checking: Real interest in the work and the business, since strong interns can earn a full-time role.

What would you do

Your design works in simulation but fails on the FPGA. Where do you look?

What they are checking: Debugging approach across timing, constraints and differences between simulation and hardware.

You're stuck on a problem and your mentor is busy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they balance working independently with knowing when to ask for help.

About the work

Write a simple Verilog or SystemVerilog module for a counter with a synchronous reset and explain each part.

What they are checking: Proficient RTL skill, which the posting says is required for this internship.

What's the difference between blocking and non-blocking assignments, and when do you use each?

What they are checking: A common RTL concept that separates real hardware design experience from coursework memory.

Explain setup and hold time and what happens when they're violated.

What they are checking: Basic timing knowledge needed for any digital design work.

How would you safely pass a signal from one clock domain to another?

What they are checking: Understanding of clock domain crossing, a frequent source of real hardware bugs.

Why might a trading firm use FPGAs instead of just software on fast CPUs?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how hardware gives a latency edge in trading.

How do you test your RTL before putting it on a board?

What they are checking: Whether they build testbenches and verify designs instead of testing only on hardware.

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The full job description

As published by IMC Trading.

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You’ll have the support you need to succeed: educational training and a mentor who will oversee your work and professional development. We provide a highly competitive compensation package with accommodations included. The bar for talent at IMC is high and interns who meet our performance expectations will have the opportunity to secure a full time Graduate Hardware Engineer position at the end of the program.  Where you go from here is up to you! Your Core Responsibilities: • Enhance your knowledge of algorithm complexity, professional design, and coding • Work on meaningful and challenging projects • Patricipate in classroom-based training covering an overview of financial markets, IMC technology and hardware design • Build valuable connections in an environment that recognizes and rewards problem solving, innovation and teamwork • Engage in professional development sessions aimed at helping you envision your future at IMC • Attend a full schedule of events and social activities throughout the summer Your Skills and Experience: • Current university student graduating between September 2027 - July 2028 that is pursuing an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related degree • Must have proficient experience in Verilog, SystemVerilog, VHDL or other RTL programming (additional software experience is a plus; C++, Python, or similar) • Strong analytical skills and interest in solving complex problems programmatically • Desire to collaborate with technical and non-technical teammates in a dynamic environment • Interest in the Financial Markets; previous knowledge is NOT required • Must be able to start internship on June 7, 2027 You may submit one application per role each year.  We strongly encourage you to focus on applying to a single role that best matches your skills and interests.  Though you may apply to multiple roles, please note that each application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria established for that particular role. If you have already applied for this position during the current recruitment season and were not selected, you may reapply when the next recruitment season begins in 2027. The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information. Base Salary: $200,000 About Us IMC is a research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.  

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