Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through fall term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.
International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.
Internship Program at Tesla
The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.
About the Team
The Body Controls team develops the firmware, sensing, and control systems that bring Tesla vehicles to life. You'll be at the forefront of self-driving technology, defining user behaviors and reimagining how people engage with our next-generation fully autonomous vehicle platform. Your work ensures computer vision systems continuously see the world through clean lenses, doors respond seamlessly to user interactions, and interior lighting creates customizable ambiance. We create the embedded software that powers every tactile interaction customers have with their vehicles.
This is a small, passionate, fast-moving team where your work directly shapes the customer experience. Join a group of deeply knowledgeable engineers who build some of the most robust and safety-critical embedded systems in the industry, using cutting-edge development tools and practices to deliver exceptional reliability and performance.
Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment
- Specify, design, and implement functionality and behaviors of embedded subsystems
- Design the software architecture and firmware implementation
- Own firmware through life cycle from prototype to high-volume production
- Develop software tests and collaborate with validation teams
- Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization
- Make performance and optimization trade-offs to meet product requirements
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 – December 2027
- Proficiency in C
- Fluent in software fundamentals including software design and maintainability
- Strong Electrical Engineering fundamentals including circuit analysis and design
- Experience with embedded microprocessor tools
- Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts
- Familiarity with MISRA C, preferred
- Controls software and algorithm development, preferred
- RTOS or bare-metal embedded development, preferred
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:
- Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation
$42.07 - $58.89 + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.