Role Description
**What to Expect**
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 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.
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.
Tesla Energy is looking for a driven Firmware Engineer intern to bring the next generation of energy storage and vehicle charging products to the market. The candidate should display enthusiasm for delivering top quality firmware.The responsibilities range from firmware implementation/validation, production support, and fleet improvements. This role involves working closely with the Hardware, Controls and Software teams to deliver production grade safety critical firmware for AC/DC and DC/DC power converters. This is an opportunity to work with world class engineering teams that continually push the envelope on power conversion technology. Our power converters get deployed in Tesla products all over the world to serve our mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
Location: Palo Alto, CA
**What You'll Do*** Write high-quality C code for realtime embedded systems
* Firmware development and debugging, code/performance optimization, create and execute board level test plans to expose weakness or faults in hardware and firmware
* Translate controls algorithms into software implementation and integrate them into firmware and validation frameworks
* Hands-on hardware bring-up and qualification of power converters, and lab work as needed to support development/debug activities through the entire product lifecycle
* Work with product deployment teams to track fleet performance, assess behavioral issues and help drive firmware improvements to resolve anomalies and deliver new product features
**What You'll Bring*** Pursuing a Degree in Computer Science, Electrical, Engineering, or related field
* Capable of delivering top quality C code in a real time embedded environment
* Experience with typical microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, DAC, PWM, Timers etc. and communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, CAN, UART etc.
* Can read hardware schematics and work with the hardware team to deliver production worthy hardware/software co-designed architecture
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to work well in a team environment
* Strong electrical fundamentals
**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.