About the role#
As a Motor Controls Engineer intern, you will work on the design, implementation, and testing of motor controls for current and future Tesla traction motor drives and low voltage drives. You will contribute to the development of algorithms for traction machines, steer-by-wire systems, and Optimus to improve performance and efficiency.
What you'll do#
- Model, design, and benchmark motor control systems.
- Develop, test, and validate controller functionality in the laboratory and in-vehicle.
- Define requirements for motor control software and hardware components, including voltage and current sensors, power stages, and speed sensors.
- Advance intellectual property in the areas of electric motor design and controls.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Graduation date between May 2027 and May 2028.
- Strong fundamentals in AC electric motors, drive systems analysis, modeling, and control.
- Solid background in linear systems analysis, stability, and controller design.
- Basic proficiency in embedded firmware development using C or C++.
- Experience with model development and data analysis in Matlab or Simulink.
- Strong communication skills and a preference for working in teams.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Winter 2027 and Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week).
- Compensation: $50.06 - $58.89 per hour plus benefits.
About Tesla
Tesla produces electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, the company operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and employs over 10,000 people. The organization designs, manufactures, sells, and services its products internally.
How to get in at Tesla
Applying early at Tesla provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates.



