JobsMercury Marine

Mercury Marine: Software Controls Engineering Intern

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI

Posted Aug 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Tell me about a project where you used MATLAB or Simulink, even for a class assignment. What were you building and what did you learn?

whether the candidate has real hands-on exposure to the core tools of the role rather than just classroom familiarity

Have you worked with an oscilloscope or similar test equipment before? Tell me about a time you had to capture and interpret data from a physical system.

comfort with hands-on lab equipment, which is explicitly called out as an essential function

Tell me about a time you had to document technical work clearly enough that someone else could pick it up after you.

whether they understand documentation as a real deliverable, since updating control software docs is a listed duty

Describe a group project, in school or otherwise, where you had to coordinate with people outside your immediate team to get something done.

readiness to work cross-functionally with other Mercury departments and outside suppliers as the posting describes

Tell me about a time something you built or tested didn't work the way you expected. What did you do next?

resilience and troubleshooting mindset when results don't match expectations, a constant reality in controls testing

Technical

Walk me through how you would design a simple PID controller for a system like engine RPM or throttle position. What would you tune first and why?

basic conceptual grasp of PID control logic since it's a preferred qualification directly tied to engine control work

What do you know about CAN networks or CAN communication, and have you ever worked with them directly?

depth of exposure to the specific communication protocol used in engine control systems, since it's called out as preferred knowledge

What's the difference between simulating a control algorithm and testing it on a target controller? Why do both steps matter?

understanding of the model-in-the-loop to hardware-in-the-loop workflow used in control software development

Situational

Say you're testing embedded software on a simulation board and the results don't match what you expected from the model. How would you go about figuring out where the mismatch is coming from?

debugging process and whether they know to isolate hardware, software, and model differences systematically

If you were handed embedded software to test on an actual engine or boat, what safety or process considerations would go through your mind before you started?

awareness that testing on physical hardware carries real risk and requires discipline, not just curiosity

You're given a task and told to own it from start to finish with minimal supervision. What does your first week on that task look like?

independence and planning ability, since the role explicitly expects interns to manage assigned projects themselves

If a supplier or customer reported a problem with how a control feature behaved, how would you approach figuring out whether it's a hardware issue, a software bug, or a misunderstanding of how it's supposed to work?

structured problem-solving when the root cause spans multiple domains, which mirrors the consulting-with-suppliers duty in the posting

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Mercury Marine- Fond Du Lac, WI- Mercury Marine: Software Controls Engineering Intern Location: Plant 12-Fond du Lac, WI Workplace Category: onsite Travel Required: No Direct Reports: No Pay Range:  $18.00-27.50 Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.   Relocation: Yes Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality: Position Overview :   As a Software Controls Engineering Intern you will work collaboratively and independently with highly qualified engineering professionals who are responsible for the design, production and manufacturing of outboard and sterndrive motors for the recreational boating industry. You will be an integral member of an engineering team committed to delivering superior results. You'll learn how to work with a team as you own and manage assigned projects from inception to completion. As a Software Controls Engineering Intern you may have the opportunity to: • Use Simulink and MATLAB for control algorithm development and analysis. • Testing embedded software on target controller and simulation board. • Updating documentation related to control software. • Testing embedded software on engines/boats. • Assisting Control Software Engineers with user interfaces for ad hoc tests and displays. • Interface with cross-functional teams within Mercury. • Consult with suppliers, customers, and internal departments to find solutions to problems. In addition to a great hands-on learning experience, you will also acquire the skills needed to:  • Operate oscilloscopes, perform data capture and analysis. • Become proficient in writing MATLAB scripts for data analysis and writing reports to document findings. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.  Essential Functions :   • Use Simulink and MATLAB for control algorithm development. • Use Simulink and MATLAB for data / testing analysis. • Testing embedded software on target controller and simulation board. • Testing embedded software on engines/boats. Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way. Required Qualifications:    • Current enrollment in a BS program with a major in Electrical, Software, Computer, or Controls Engineering. • Minimum second semester sophomore status with 48 completed credits.' • Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) during the months of May through August of 2027 • Able to work hands on with hardware such as embedded controllers and test tools such as oscilloscopes. Preferred Qualifications:   • A knowledge base of CAN networks and CAN communication. • Knowledge of and experience working with PID control algorithms. • Experience working in MATLAB and Simulink. Working Conditions: • Learning Opportunities: Our Student Program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional setting. You will work alongside experienced professionals and get a chance to apply your academic knowledge to real-world tasks.  • Project Work: The work environment is supportive, collaborative, and conducive to learning. Student co-ops or interns typically work on specific projects or tasks that contribute to the organization’s goals. This may range from supporting larger projects to handling smaller, individual assignments.   • Hours: Co-ops and Interns are expected to work a full 40-hour work week • Feedback and Performance Reviews: As a co-op or intern, you will receive feedback and performance reviews throughout your assignment. We value the importance for interns to understand their progress and areas for improvement.  The pay range for this position is $18.00-27.50 per hour.  The actual hourly rate offered will vary depending on multiple factors including year in school/credits earned, degree, job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context. Why Brunswick:   Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards !  About Mercury Marine Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com. Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify .

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