Internship, Crash Safety Embedded Software Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Winter/Spring 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
36.06 - 56.13 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Nov 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 (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing 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. 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. About the Team Tesla's Crash Safety Firmware teamis looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to develop safety critical Crash Safety software. You will develop application-level logic and software, such as developing sensing and actuation algorithms, diagnostics software, and implementing interfaces and simulation capabilities. You will work closely with a cross-functional team to deliver high-impact software. Thisteam develops and integrates airbag controller functionality that makes Tesla's vehicles the safest on the road. Join the growing team to tackle our mission to improve real-world crash safety through smart engineering and ambitious innovation using insights gathered from our global connected vehicle fleet as well as ourstate-of-the-artcrash lab. You will solve some of the most ambiguous and challenging problems in the industry while working alongside deeply knowledgeable engineers from different disciplines, in a fast-paced environment, usingcutting-edgesoftware development tools and practices. What You'll Do Development of real-time embedded software that implements and controls safety critical software Implement state machines, control logic, alerts, and diagnostics Involved in the full life cycle of firmware development from concept through integration, test, and release to our growing fleet of vehicles Virtual algorithm development and regression testing in software-in-the-loop simulation and hardware-in-the-loop-simulation 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 2026-May 2027 Relevant experience in real-time embedded software development Proficiencyin C Familiarity with Python Fluent in software fundamentals, including software design and maintainabilityExperience with designing/developing/analyzing/maintainingstate machines Familiarity with MISRA Cpreferred Experience with unit testing and static analysis toolspreferred Knowledge of version control (Git) and continuous integration (Jenkins)preferred 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 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 $36.06 - $56.13/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.