Tesla
Internship, Embedded Systems Software Engineer, AI Platforms (Winter/Spring 2026
Tesla, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
What to Expect
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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. 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. What You'll Do
Bring up RTOS (Real Time Operating Systems) on the next generation of embedded systems for Teslaautonomy
Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment
Develop and maintain Linux device drivers for AI interface hardware accelerators, camera capture, ISP (Image Signal Processors), GPU, Ethernet, UFS, and PCIE
Definethe hardware, software interactions for our next generation fully autonomous car platform, HumanoidRobot,andtheexpandingAIinference use-cases
Develop and bring-up the system software stack that runs on the AI platformand interacts with various sensors in the car and robot
What You'll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field Strong C/C++ programming skills Experience working with and writing softwarefor embedded Linux systems; experience with software/kernel preferred Experience in Python/Perl/Bash Scripting is a plus Experience working and debugging complex, distributed software systems Comfortable analyzing data to improve design and performance of a system Understanding of hardware and software development processes Experience with Ethernet or CAN communication protocols is preferred
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick time after 90 days of employment 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 - $55.00/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.
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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. 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. What You'll Do
Bring up RTOS (Real Time Operating Systems) on the next generation of embedded systems for Teslaautonomy
Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment
Develop and maintain Linux device drivers for AI interface hardware accelerators, camera capture, ISP (Image Signal Processors), GPU, Ethernet, UFS, and PCIE
Definethe hardware, software interactions for our next generation fully autonomous car platform, HumanoidRobot,andtheexpandingAIinference use-cases
Develop and bring-up the system software stack that runs on the AI platformand interacts with various sensors in the car and robot
What You'll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field Strong C/C++ programming skills Experience working with and writing softwarefor embedded Linux systems; experience with software/kernel preferred Experience in Python/Perl/Bash Scripting is a plus Experience working and debugging complex, distributed software systems Comfortable analyzing data to improve design and performance of a system Understanding of hardware and software development processes Experience with Ethernet or CAN communication protocols is preferred
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick time after 90 days of employment 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 - $55.00/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.