Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Thermal Systems (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 continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. 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 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.

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 Systems manage the temperature of critical powertrain systems like the battery, drive units and 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 will be responsible for delivering 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 enforce component validation 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 degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 – December 2027

Proficiency in C and real time embedded environments

Proficiency in 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)

Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior

Benefits
Compensation and 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/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.

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