Internship, Software Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

What to Expect

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 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 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 provide an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.

The Energy Battery Firmware team works on low-level safety critical battery management and charging software. This role entails developing low level firmware and validation platform infrastructure for our world class Energy product software and firmware, ranging from design, implementation, through validation and ongoing fleet improvements. Opportunities range from low-latency C/Rust drivers and algorithms all the way up to high level C++ controls logic and Python SIL testing infrastructure.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

What You'll Do

Develop, enhance and debug new and existing real-time software in C, Rust and C++ in embedded RTOS environments

Work with hardware to bring up new embedded platforms from scratch

Assist in tool development for testing and system integration

Specify, design, and implement functionality and behaviors of embedded subsystems

Engage in cross-functional collaborations with electrical and software teams

Understand and debug interfaces/interactions required for successful implementation of product-level features

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field

Proficiency in C and/or Rust, and C++

Some background in embedded firmware systems development

Strong fundamentals in computer or electrical engineering

Exceptional capacity for managing simultaneous activities and challenges

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

$20.00 - $50.00/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.

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.