Internship, Software Engineer Industrial Firmware, 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.

Tesla Energy is bringing battery, solar, and charging technologies to the grid, establishing new industries and defining the future of renewable energy ecosystems. This team is at the forefront of how we will generate, distribute, and consume power today and in the future. Our team is composed of individuals who are fast-moving, self-motivated, who love to solve difficult problems, and are team players.

Tesla Energy is looking for a motivated Software Engineer to help bring the next generation of industrial energy products to the market. As a member of the industrial firmware team, you will be responsible for delivering high quality software and firmware in support of manufacturing, commissioning, and service. You will architect the software solutions for manufacturing quality Energy products in our factories. Rethink manufacturing and service processes with other product and design teams.

You will have the opportunity to solve challenging problems on the production line and in the field. Collaborate closely with hardware, manufacturing, and service engineering to design firmware and automation solutions for a seamless deployment experience. You will show outstanding organizational and communication skills and an eagerness to learn in an ever-evolving environment. Manage your workload with a positive attitude, be a team player in a collaborative work environment.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

What You'll Do

• Develop, enhance and debug new and existing software and firmware in Python, C, C++, and Rust
• Perform hardware and firmware integration of current and next generation Tesla Energy products
• Design robust and exhaustive test procedures for high voltage power electronics, battery modules, and thermal systems
• Develop, integrate, and debug features at the system level and release the changes to production
• Contribute to software architecture design, development of software applications, and integration into manufacturing processes and production lines
• Track and communicate project status and risks to the wider organization. Interact with engineers from multiple teams
• Hands-on with hardware bring up, debug issues and devise solution paths

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or engineering related field
• Hands-on experience with electrical and software engineering components and an understanding of how they interact in a complex product
• Capable of delivering high quality Python software solutions
• Exceptional analytical problem-solving skills, able to identify and surface issues within complex HW/SW systems
• Excellent communication skills, say something when you don’t know, be available to other team members when questions arise. Excellent attention to detail
• Remain engaged, proactive and positive in tough circumstances/challenging problems
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Own assignments and take accountability for your work
• Interest in manufacturing analytics and metrics: first-pass yield, cycle time, test coverage, failure modes
• Familiarity with JSON, Protobuf, REST, HTTP/S, Ethernet, CAN
• Familiarity with basic electrical concepts
• Bring a firmware validation mindset to the team. Experience with Continuous Integration workflow: unit test, software in the loop, hardware in the loop. Participation in firmware testing

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 an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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.