Caltech Hardware, Electronics, Aerospace & Robotics (HEAR) Industry Day 2026
Aerospace, robotics and hardware employers on Olive Walk, for engineers who write software close to metal.
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125
What this event is
Caltech's HEAR Industry Day is a fall recruiting fair on Tuesday, October 27 at noon on Olive Walk, bringing hardware, electronics, aerospace and robotics companies to campus. It is one of three fall industry days run by CALE, alongside Techfest and Bioscience Industry Day. Employers register through Next Steps Caltech.
Roles you will actually see
Who should go
Caltech students and postdocs in EE, CS, ME or aerospace who want flight software, robotics or embedded roles at JPL, SpaceX, Northrop, Anduril and similar employers.
Be honest with yourself about sponsorship before you go: most of the aerospace and defense employers at this fair are ITAR-restricted and require US citizenship or a green card, which is why I mark this one 'no'. If you are a citizen or permanent resident, it is one of the best days of the year to meet flight software and robotics teams. Non-citizens should still stop by the commercial robotics and electronics startups, which are the exception. Lead with embedded C, real-time systems and any hardware-in-the-loop work.
Show up prepared
- 1Log into Next Steps Caltech to see which companies registered
- 2Update your resume with embedded, FPGA, control systems or ROS experience up top
- 3Know your work-authorization answer and say it early to avoid wasted conversations
Sponsorship reality
No sponsorship (citizenship required). Roles at this event require US citizenship or clearance eligibility. If you are on F-1, OPT or H-1B, spend the time on another event on this list.
Showing up is half of it.
The other half is being first to the roles these employers post, and having something real to show when you get there.
See roles the minute they go live, tailor one resume per employer, and reach the hiring manager directly. Walk into the event as a follow-up, not a stranger.
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