Internship, Software Engineer, Torque Path & Chassis Controls (Winter/Spring 2027)

What To Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through Spring term (ending approximately May 2027) or continuing into Summer 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

The Torque Path and Chassis Controls team develops and calibrates real-time software for critical vehicle dynamics systems, including traction control, vehicle stability control, braking, and propulsion. The team manages the full software development lifecycle—from concept and simulation to embedded implementation, calibration, and validation—delivering high-performance, safety-critical solutions.

The team integrates advanced autonomous functions such as the Driverless State Machine, Smart Shift, Autopark, and Actually Smart Summon with core propulsion and chassis controls. It also ensures safe and reliable interaction between autonomous safety systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Object-Aware Acceleration Limiting, and the vehicle’s torque and braking architecture.

Work is conducted across simulation and embedded environments, with close collaboration across hardware, software, vehicle dynamics, and controls engineering disciplines. The team’s work directly influences vehicle performance, safety, and driving experience.

What You'll Do

• Develop and calibrate traction and stability control software
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement new chassis controls features
• Build and maintain closed-loop simulations for chassis control systems
• Implement chassis controls features in embedded C and simulation environments
• Create tools to evaluate vehicle-level metrics in both simulation and vehicle testing

• Expand technical knowledge across torque path, brake controls, and chassis systems
  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 May 2027 - May 2028

• Experience in C and Python, with demonstrated experience in software development and debugging

• Knowledge of vehicle dynamics and automotive fundamentals

• Experience with control systems development, calibration, or real-time embedded software (e.g., academic projects, FSAE, or prior internships)

• Familiarity with automotive safety standards including MISRA C, HARA, and FMEA

• Hands-on experience with CAN communication protocols and Vector CAN tools (e.g., CANoe, CANalyzer)
  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

$50.06 - $58.89 + 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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