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 Factory Firmware team is seeking a Firmware Integration Engineer to bridge the gap between core firmware development and global system deployment. In this role, you will be a key stakeholder, influencing the design of vehicle firmware to ensure seamless integration and validation at scale. You are not just supporting a factory; you are engineering the systemic solutions that allow R&D features to transition from the lab to the real world.
You will be navigating complex subsystems, analyzing vehicle logs, and performing root-cause analysis to solve intricate hardware-software interdependencies. As the final authority on firmware deployment for new vehicle programs, your team provides the critical feedback loop that accelerates the development of next-generation features. You will work cross-functionally with Hardware and Firmware R&D teams to ensure our vehicles meet the highest standards of safety and technical excellence.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with R&D teams to influence firmware architecture, ensuring that vehicle systems are designed for high-fidelity diagnostics and automated validation
- Contribute to the "bring-up" of new vehicle programs, hardware revisions, and firmware features, by contributing to the vehicle firmware codebase
- Design and build sophisticated software and firmware-based tools for vehicle diagnostics, automated testing, and subsystem validation
- Own the resolution of high-priority technical blockers through deep-dive telemetry analysis and the implementation of robust, long-term firmware or logic-based solutions
- Develop firmware-driven solutions to bridge gaps in the integration lifecycle, maintaining a high bar for firmware quality
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
- Strong development skills in C and a deep understanding of embedded firmware design/development
- Familiar with one or more vehicle communication protocols (UDS, CAN, Ethernet) and the associated hardware-software debugging tools
- Experience with Python for automation and familiarity with AI-integrated workflows for log analysis and diagnostic automation
- Capable of working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
- Excitement to learn new technologies in any area of the stack
- Effective communication skills and attention to detail
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.