New

Internship, Thermal Systems Embedded Software Engineer, Vehicle Software (Summer 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
40.00 - 60.00 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Feb 26, 2026
What to Expect Consider beforesubmittingan application: This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 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. Internship Programs at Tesla The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions that they will grow both technically and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows for the intern to experience life at Tesla by giving them ownership over projects that are critical to their team's success. About the team: As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Thermal Systems Software team, you will play a key role in accelerating the delivery and refinement of Tesla-designed thermal systems for all Tesla Vehicles. Your responsibilities will include architecting, designing, and implementing embedded firmware for various motors, actuators, and sensors in the thermal system. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of user-facing features to enhance the accuracy and intuitiveness of the vehicle cabin heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Tesla Thermal Systemsmanagethe temperature of critical powertrain systems like the battery, driveunitsand charger, as well as temperature control of the vehicle cabin interior. The thermal management system is one of the biggest consumers of energy in an electric vehicle, making your contributions crucial in improving the efficiency of our vehicles and changing the way the world perceives electric vehicles. You willbe responsible fordelivering high-quality embedded code that runs on Tesla controllers and production lines. What You'll Do Develop, enhance and debug new and existing behaviors for the coolant, refrigerant, and cabin HVAC systems Drive firmware development in C in a real-time embedded environment for performance, scalability, robustness, and tight integration with the hardware Hands-on with hardware bring up, build and enforcecomponentvalidation for delivering robust, functional code Collaborate across disciplines with electrical, mechanical, and controls engineering teams to produce integrated software-hardware solutions Work with various cross-functional teams to develop requirements for new thermal system features, diagnostics, algorithms, etc. What You'll Bring Currently pursuing a degreein Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of studywith a gradation date between August 2026 - August 2027 Proficiencyin C and real time embedded environments Proficiencyin Python Strong software fundamentals including firmware architecture, algorithm development, data structures, code modularity, and maintainability Experience working with microcontroller peripherals such as timers, ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, UART, LIN, I2C Hands on experience with various motor types (brushed, brushless, steppers) and sensor types (analog, digital encoders) Familiaritywith reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior 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 $40.00 - $60.00/hour + 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.