Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, AI Platforms (Winter/Spring 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
100,000 - 150,000 USD
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Oct 21, 2025
What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (approximately April 2026) or 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 AI Platforms team develops firmware for high-availability security, safety bare-metal, and RTOS based platforms, both inside and outside of vehicles. As an Embedded Software Intern, you will support Autopilot and make an impact on the highest visibility bleeding edge technology at Tesla. What You'll Do C development on projects and codebases including bare-metal drivers and RTOS Firmware debug using JTAG debuggers and Oscilloscopes/Logic Analyzers Host tools development in support of preparing firmware for embedded platforms Enhancing automation and improving firmware test infrastructure What You'll Bring Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field, with a graduation date between December 2026 - May 2027 High proficiency in C/C++ and Python Academic understanding of ARM and RISC-V core architectures Experience developing drivers for common low-level device peripherals UART, I2C, SPI, watchdogs, timers, DMA, non-volatile storage, and CAN protocol Understanding fundamentals of real-time operating system (RTOS) principles Strong problem-solving and attention to detail 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 $100,000 - $150,000/annual salary + 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.