Dies ist eine alte Version des Dokuments!
How to find an Intership
Be aware, that - depending on the economical situation - it might take up to 200 outreaches to find a suitable internship.
So, it is good to make a structured list (e.g. in EXCEL), to track how far the outreach proceed.
via Job Portals
In the following some relevant search engines are shown.
Be aware that the following links are already partially filtered by:
- vicinity to Heilbronn
- Praktikum
You might also look for keywords like
Elektrotechnik,Elektronik,ElectronicsEmbedded,MicrocontrollerECAD,EMC,EMV
The following list covers relevant job search sites:
- Stepstone - strong in Germany; good filters by city/region
- Xing Jobs - Germany-heavy.
Refine the search by the „hamburger menu“ with- Search radius: as you wish
- Employment type: Student
- Career level: Student/Intern
- LinkedIn Jobs - best for “embedded/firmware” and direct networking
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Jobsuche (Praktika) - often overlooked, but does not have as much results
Refine the search by clicking onto „Arbeit“ below „Was suchen Sie?“ and change it to „Praktikum/Trainee/Werkstudent“
“Indirect” directories (great for SMEs)
The following websites are good spots to find small and medium enterprises („SME's“) which might look for engineers.
An initiative application to them would a a good idea. 
Also via the B2B supplier directory one can find EMS/automation integrators fast:
Additionally, exhibitors are companies which are actively selling & building new products. They often hiring quietly.
also companies from there are suitable for an internship
Google operators
Keywords
Suitable keywords for electronics topics:
Entwicklungsingenieur,Elektronikentwicklung,Hardwareentwicklung,Automatisierung,Prüftechnik,Prüfstand,Testautomatisierung,Hardware-in-the-LoopMikrocontroller,Embedded Software,firmwareEMV,EMC,EMS,Pre-ComplianceLeistungselektronik,power electronics,DC/DC,Inverter,Motorsteuerung,BMS,Batterie Management,SiC,GaN,power electronics,SchaltnetzteilPCB Layout,Leiterplattenlayout,Altium,kiCAD,ECAD,Leiterplattenbestückung,
Suitable keywords for roles:
- (
„Internship“OR„Working student“OR„Bachelorarbeit“OR„Masterarbeit“OR„Abschlussarbeit“OR„Pflichtpraktikum“OR„Werkstudent“OR„Praxissemester“OR„Praktikum“)
Add the region smartly
Append one of these blocks:
(Heilbronn OR Neckarsulm OR „Region Stuttgart“ OR Ludwigsburg OR Böblingen OR Sindelfingen OR Esslingen)(Karlsruhe OR Ettlingen OR Bruchsal OR Pforzheim OR „Technologieregion Karlsruhe“)(Mannheim OR Heidelberg OR Ludwigshafen OR „Rhein-Neckar“)
filter urls
Often the URLs of the companies have „job-relevant“ keywords, like:
inurl:karriereinurl:jobsinurl:stellen
Examples search strings
Search career pages directly:
(„Praktikum“ OR „Praxissemester“ OR „Werkstudent“) (Embedded OR Elektronik OR Prüftechnik) (Heilbronn OR Stuttgart OR Karlsruhe OR Mannheim) inurl:karriere(Praxissemester OR Abschlussarbeit) Elektronik inurl:jobs(Prüftechnik OR EMV OR EMC) Praktikum inurl:stellen
Exclude giants (reduce noise):
(„Praktikum Embedded“ Stuttgart) -Bosch -Porsche -Mercedes -Daimler -SAP -ZF -Continental
General search for suitable companies
(„Leiterplattenbestückung“ OR EMS OR „Elektronikfertigung“) (Heilbronn OR Karlsruhe OR Mannheim)
Search LinkedIn via Google
site:linkedin.com/jobs („Werkstudent“ AND Embedded AND Stuttgart)site:linkedin.com/company („Elektronik“ AND „Karriere“) Stuttgart
Examples for SME Jobs
Examples for possible jobs beyond the big players (from 16.12.25):
- ATS Automation - Praktikum in Engineering & Design
- Schulz Group - Praktikant / Werkstudent (m/w/d) Produktentwicklung – Konstruktion & Elektronik
- Carrybots - Installation und Deployment Mobile Roboter, Softwareentwicklung Robotik ROS
- VEGA Grieshaber - Abschlussarbeit/Praktikum/Werkstudententätigkeit: Hardware oder Software im Bereich Embedded Systems
The big Ones
In recent years, the “big players” have been more cautious about hiring employees and posting job openings, even for internships.
So you can look around there—but don't feel sorry for yourself if you get rejected.
| Company size | Company name | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Big | ABB | Automation, drives, robotics and industrial electronics with strong embedded/controls engineering. |
| Big | Airbus Defence and Space | Aerospace/defence electronics (avionics, comms, sensors) and safety-critical embedded software. |
| Big | Audi | Automotive E/E, ECUs, vehicle networks and embedded software for powertrain/ADAS/infotainment. |
| Big | BMW Group | Vehicle electronics, e-mobility, control units and embedded software development in South Germany. |
| Big | Bosch | Major hub for sensors, ECUs, IoT devices, and embedded SW/HW across many domains. |
| Big | Continental | Automotive electronics, ADAS, connectivity and embedded platforms for modern vehicles. |
| Big | Daimler Truck | Commercial-vehicle electronics, control systems and embedded software for powertrain/ADAS. |
| Big | Endress+Hauser | Industrial measurement and process instrumentation with sensor electronics and embedded firmware. |
| Big | Festo | Factory automation, pneumatics/mechatronics, controllers and embedded motion/control software. |
| Big | Infineon Technologies | Semiconductors (power, sensors, security) with roles in embedded systems and electronics design. |
| Big | IBM | Software/AI/IoT and industry solutions with opportunities around embedded and systems engineering. |
| Big | Kärcher | Mechatronic products with embedded control, electronics, connectivity and firmware development. |
| Big | Knorr-Bremse | Rail/vehicle systems with embedded safety/control electronics and real-time software. |
| Big | MAHLE | Automotive supplier with electronics, e-mobility, thermal systems and embedded controls. |
| Big | Mercedes-Benz Group | Vehicle software and electronics, connected car platforms and embedded control systems. |
| Big | Porsche | High-performance vehicle electronics, control units, diagnostics and embedded software. |
| Big | Roche Diagnostics | Medical devices and diagnostics systems with embedded firmware, electronics and signal processing. |
| Big | Rohde & Schwarz | Test & measurement, RF/communication systems and embedded software/hardware engineering. |
| Big | SAP | Industry software, IoT and digital manufacturing—good for software-heavy theses/internships. |
| Big | Schaeffler | Mechatronics, sensors/actuators and control systems with embedded electronics roles. |
| Big | SEW-EURODRIVE | Drives, inverters and industrial automation with power electronics and embedded control software. |
| Big | Siemens | Industrial automation, electronics and embedded systems across mobility, energy and factory tech. |
| Big | SICK | Sensor technology and industrial vision with embedded firmware, electronics and safety systems. |
| Big | TRUMPF | High-tech machines/lasers with motion control, industrial electronics and embedded software. |
| Big | ZEISS | Optics, imaging, metrology and sensor systems with embedded and electronics development. |
| Big | ZF | Automotive systems, ECUs and software-defined vehicle platforms with embedded SW/HW roles. |
| Medium | Aesculap (B. Braun) | Medical technology with electronics/mechatronics and embedded development for devices. |
| Medium | AIM Infrarot-Module | IR detector modules and sensing systems—strong fit for electronics and embedded HW/SW. |
| Medium | AVL | Powertrain/ADAS engineering with embedded control, testing and electronics topics. |
| Medium | Balluff | Industrial sensors/IO-Link and automation components with firmware and electronics design. |
| Medium | Bertrandt | Engineering services (automotive/industry) with many embedded SW/HW project roles. |
| Medium | Bizerba | Mechatronic products (scales, inspection) with embedded control and electronics engineering. |
| Medium | Bosch Engineering | Engineering services for automotive/industry with embedded SW/HW and system integration work. |
| Medium | Bosch Sensortec | MEMS sensors with firmware, algorithms and low-power embedded development. |
| Medium | Dürr Group / BBS Automation | Factory automation and production systems with control engineering and embedded topics. |
| Medium | Eberspächer | Automotive systems with electronics, control units and embedded software roles. |
| Medium | ElringKlinger | E-mobility components and systems with electronics and embedded controls relevance. |
| Medium | ETAS | Automotive software tooling, middleware and embedded platforms (Bosch Group). |
| Medium | Fraunhofer IAF | Applied R&D (electronics, photonics, systems) with thesis-friendly research projects. |
| Medium | Fraunhofer IPA | Production/automation research with robotics, sensors and embedded/industrial software topics. |
| Medium | Fraunhofer IOSB | Applied research in sensors, security and autonomous systems with embedded/software focus. |
| Medium | GEMÜ | Valves and control systems for process industries with electronics and embedded control. |
| Medium | Hahn-Schickard | Microelectronics, sensors and medical/industrial systems—great for embedded theses. |
| Medium | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen | Complex mechatronic machines with drives, controls and embedded/automation engineering. |
| Medium | Hekatron | Safety technology (fire detection) with embedded electronics and firmware development. |
| Medium | HENSOLDT | Defence/surveillance sensors and electronics with embedded and signal-processing topics. |
| Medium | Hirschmann Automation and Control (Belden) | Industrial networking/IIoT hardware with embedded firmware and electronics development. |
| Medium | IDS Imaging Development Systems | Industrial cameras and machine vision hardware with embedded/Linux and electronics roles. |
| Medium | IMS CHIPS | ASIC/sensor systems and mixed-signal electronics with strong embedded/EE opportunities. |
| Medium | Jetter AG | Industrial/mobile automation controllers with embedded software and electronics development. |
| Medium | KARL STORZ | Medical endoscopy systems with embedded, electronics and mechatronics engineering topics. |
| Medium | Kübler Group | Encoders/sensors and automation components with electronics and firmware work. |
| Medium | LAPP | Cables/connectivity and industrial communication—relevant for hardware/system engineering. |
| Medium | Lauer & Weiss | Automotive engineering services with embedded SW/HW and E/E system development projects. |
| Medium | Leuze electronic | Industrial sensors/safety systems with embedded firmware and electronics design roles. |
| Medium | Murrelektronik | Automation connectivity and I/O systems with embedded development and electronics roles. |
| Medium | Pepperl+Fuchs | Industrial sensors and explosion protection with embedded firmware and electronics engineering. |
| Medium | Pilz | Safety automation with embedded controllers, fieldbus systems and firmware development. |
| Medium | Porsche Engineering | Engineering projects in embedded systems, E/E architecture and e-mobility. |
| Medium | P3 Group | Technology consulting with embedded SW/HW, automotive systems and validation topics. |
| Medium | Swoboda | Automotive electronics and software (incl. Karlsruhe) with ECU/network tech and embedded roles. |
| Medium | TDK-Micronas | Sensor/semiconductor development with embedded, electronics and signal-processing topics. |
| Medium | Testo | Measurement instruments with embedded firmware, electronics and connectivity development. |
| Medium | Vector Informatik | Tools/middleware for automotive embedded systems (AUTOSAR, networking, testing, etc.). |
| Medium | VARTA | Batteries and energy systems with BMS electronics, testing and embedded topics. |
| Medium | Würth Elektronik | Electronic components, PCBs and IoT modules with hardware/embedded opportunities. |
| SME | Baudisch Electronic | Electronics manufacturing/development with opportunities in HW, test and production tech. |
| SME | burster | Precision measurement and sensor electronics with analog/digital HW and embedded interfaces. |
| SME | csi entwicklungstechnik | Mobility engineering services with embedded SW/HW and E/E development support roles. |
| SME | embeX | Safety-focused embedded development (functional safety) with internships and thesis topics. |
| SME | Embedd-ING | Embedded software/hardware engineering (Stuttgart) with hands-on low-level development work. |
| SME | emtrion | Embedded modules and custom HW/SW design—great for firmware and hardware thesis topics. |
| SME | FZI | Applied research (robotics, mobility, embedded/AI) with many thesis and student positions. |
| SME | Kurz Elektronik | Electronics development and systems engineering with embedded and hardware design roles. |
| SME | MESCO Engineering | Automation and embedded systems engineering with project work suited for theses. |
| SME | Nantis | Embedded systems development in Stuttgart with strong C/C++ and real-time focus. |
| SME | NEURA Robotics | Robotics (BW) with embedded software, sensing and AI-perception engineering roles. |
| SME | NewTec | Safety-critical embedded systems (automotive/industry) with structured internships/theses. |
| SME | Steinbeis Embedded Systems Technologies | Embedded HW/SW engineering projects with clear thesis and internship offerings. |
| SME | Valyue Consulting | Engineering consulting with embedded/software roles (often Stuttgart/Munich region). |
| SME | ViGEM | High-end data logging systems for autonomous driving with embedded HW/SW development. |
| SME | Vision Devices | Electronics-focused roles (incl. training/entry paths) around device hardware and systems. |
| SME | Wibu-Systems | Software protection/licensing with low-level development and security engineering roles. |
- Procter & Gamble Manufacturing
- Siemens AG
- Caterpillar Energy Solutions
- Audi
- John Deere
- Robert Bosch GmbH
- Collins Aerospace
- Mercedes Benz / Daimler Truck AG
- ABB
- Magna / Magna Spiegelsysteme
- Rheinmetall KS Gleitlager
- BorgWarner Transmission Systems
- Sulzer Pumpen
- R. Stahl Schaltgeräte
- ALSTOM
- BITZER SE
- BJ Automotive
- BLANC & FISCHER
- Dieffenbacher
- Dt. Signalinstrumentenfabrik Max B. Martin
- FIBRO / FIBRO Rundtische
- FLT Automation GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- GE Power GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Gottlob-Rommel-Gruppe — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Granzow — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- HIMA Paul Hildebrandt — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- KACO GmbH + Co. KG — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Läpple Automotive GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Neff GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Rosenbauer Karlsruhe GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- SEW-Eurodrive GmbH & Co. KG — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Walter Perske GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- WEBER-HYDRAULIK GMBH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
- Witzenmann GmbH — Operativer Cashflow: k.A.
Job Fairs
Important: dates shift slightly each year - start checking Aug/Sep and bookmark the “event calendar” pages.
A quick list of the job fairs that regularly deliver SMEs and “hidden gems”
- MeetING (HHN, Heilbronn) – engineering-focused, very regional (Oct)
- CareerContacts (HKA, Karlsruhe) – multiple days, includes engineering faculties (Oct)
- IT-Mittelstandstag (HS Esslingen) – explicitly SME-focused (Nov)
- StepIn (Uni Stuttgart) – all engineering, annual (Nov)
- bonding Firmenkontaktmesse Karlsruhe – big student fair; many suppliers/SMEs participate (late Nov)
Calendar (between 01.10 – 31.12, recurring / usually each year)
| When (usually) | Event | Where | Why it’s useful for electronics/embedded internships | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October (early/mid) | MeetING (Firmenkontaktmesse für Ingenieur-Studierende) | Hochschule Heilbronn (TechCampus) | Regional employers, suppliers, engineering services; easy to ask for Praxissemester/Praktikum | MeetING (HHN) |
| October (20–23-ish) | CareerContacts | Hochschule Karlsruhe (HKA) | Multi-day career fair; includes engineering & IT; good for “quiet hiring” | CareerContacts (HKA) |
| October (mid/late) | Karrieretag Karlsruhe (open fair) | Karlsruhe (e.g., Schwarzwaldhalle) | General fair, but often many regional SMEs + direct CV checks | Karrieretag Karlsruhe (Stadt-Kalender) |
| October (mid/late) | CareerSprint Mittelstand | TH Mannheim | Campus-based “Mittelstand” format; good for internships/theses | CareerSprint Mittelstand (TH Mannheim) |
| October (mid/late) | Aalener Industriemesse (AIM for students) | Hochschule Aalen | Classic engineering student fair; many tech companies from BW | AIM for students (Aalen) |
| Oct–Dec (lecture series) | Hohenheimer CareerDays | Universität Hohenheim (Stuttgart) | Company talks + networking; some industrial/tech companies show up | Hohenheimer CareerDays |
| November (early) | MeetIT | Hochschule Heilbronn (TechCampus) | Great for embedded/IoT/software-near-hardware internships | MeetIT (HHN) |
| November (early, Wed) | IT-Mittelstandstag | Hochschule Esslingen | SME-heavy by design; ideal for “hidden gems” | IT-Mittelstandstag (HS Esslingen) |
| November (mid) | Informatik-Kontaktmesse | Universität Stuttgart (Informatikgebäude) | Not only IT: many embedded/automation employers recruit here too | Informatik-Kontaktmesse (Uni Stuttgart) |
| November (mid/late) | StepIn – Firmenkontaktmesse | Universität Stuttgart (Campus Vaihingen) | Annual engineering fair; practical for Praktikum/Bachelor/Master topics | StepIn (Uni Stuttgart/TRACES) |
| Late November | bonding Firmenkontaktmesse Karlsruhe | Karlsruhe | Very big student fair; many SMEs, suppliers, engineering services | bonding Karlsruhe |
| December (early) | Firmenkontaktmesse (e.g., SimTech / Uni Stuttgart) | Universität Stuttgart (Campus Vaihingen) | Often niche/tech-specific companies; good for R&D internships | SimTech Firmenkontaktmesse (example page) |
| December (support events) | Career Service workshops (CV checks etc.) | Uni Stuttgart / online | Not a fair, but boosts application quality fast (useful for internationals) | TRACES event calendar |
| December (networking) | VDE After Work Stuttgart | Stuttgart | Short networking evening; good for informal contacts + hidden roles | VDE After Work Stuttgart |
How to use these fairs to find “hidden gem” internships (fast playbook)
- 2–3 weeks before
- Download exhibitor lists; pick 20 target SMEs (suppliers, test houses, automation integrators, EMS/PCB, energy/storage).
- Prepare a 30-second pitch + 1-page CV (German-style).
- Book time slots if the fair uses a matching platform.
- At the fair
- Ask directly: “Do you supervise Praxissemester/Praktikum projects even if nothing is advertised?”
- Ask for the technical hiring person (team lead / lab engineer), not only HR.
- Within 24–48 hours
- Send follow-up email: “Nice meeting you + 2 internship project ideas I can execute in 12 weeks.”