Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Body Controls Firmware (Winter/Spring 2027)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). 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.

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.

What You'll Do

• 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

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between May 2027 – May 2028
• 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

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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.