About the role#
This is a full-time, on-site internship based in Palo Alto, California. The position runs from January 2027 through the Spring term, with the possibility of extending into Summer 2027. You will work within the Tesla AI department on system software for autonomous platforms and robotics.
What you'll do#
- Bring up RTOS on next-generation embedded systems for autonomy.
- Write high-quality C code for real-time embedded environments.
- Develop and maintain Linux device drivers for AI hardware accelerators, camera capture, ISP, GPU, Ethernet, UFS, and PCIE.
- Define hardware and software interactions for autonomous car platforms and Humanoid Robots.
- Build and bring up the system software stack that interfaces with various sensors.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering degree program.
- Graduation date between May 2027 and December 2027.
- Strong C/C++ programming skills.
- Experience writing software for embedded Linux systems, with preference for kernel-level work.
- Ability to debug complex, distributed software systems.
- Experience analyzing data to improve system design and performance.
- Understanding of hardware and software development processes.
- Familiarity with Python, Perl, or Bash scripting is a plus.
- Experience with Ethernet or CAN communication protocols is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Commitment: Minimum 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours per week) on-site.
- Compensation: $20.00 - $60.00 per hour plus benefits.
- Eligibility: Must be an actively enrolled student.
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.
