Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Keys & Authentication; Fall

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 of12 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.

You will be responsible for embedded software development for the Authentication and Keys Team in the scope of Vehicle Software. Vehicle access control is a critical user-facing system providing cutting-edge user experiences like auto presenting doors, phone key and cloud key management. It is both crucial and challenging to design software for the full gamut of user behaviors and failure modes.

It is also closely linked with the growing needs of autonomy and vehicle access needs. You will be challenged to think out of the box to bring up embedded software architecture while maintaining scalability, reliability, and efficiency of your code running in an embedded environment. Come join a team of deeply knowledgeable engineers that strive to build the most robust and reliable embedded systems using innovative software development tools and practices.

• Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment
• Specify, design, and implement functionality and behaviors of embedded subsystems
• Design the software architecture and firmware implementation on hardware through integration, test, and high-volume manufacturing
• Hands‑on hardware bring‑up, system debugging and code optimization
• Make performance and optimization trade-offs to meet product requirements

• Currently working toward a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 and December 2027
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, Rust
• Experience in embedded development in wireless systems, real-time controls, or system software is a plus
• Experience with embedded microprocessor tools
• Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts

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 per 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.