Company: Tesla Title: Internship, Linux Embedded Engineer, Infotainment Platforms (Winter/Spring 2027) Location: Palo Alto, California, United States Employment Type: Intern/Apprentice Compensation: BenefitsAs 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$42.00 - $58.00 + benefitsPay 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. Department: Vehicle Software Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 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.Imagine the fully autonomous future where nobody has to drive—unless for fun—and every car can earn money for the owner. Building that at scale presents challenges that only the brightest minds can solve, and this is you. Come help us build that future together. Tesla's Software Platform team builds the foundational operating system that powers the in-vehicle experience on top of open-source base components like the Linux kernel and Coreboot. We are responsible for the core components—the kernel, bootchain, drivers, and low-level services—that enable Tesla's entire software ecosystem. This autonomous future means flawless communications with Autopilot HW/SW to deliver critical driving visualizations, simultaneously supporting an ever-richer suite of entertainment and productivity features for passengers—like theater on wheels, providing immersive media experiences. This requires a deep understanding of system architecture and the ability to make smart, scalable improvements within the constraints of our existing hardware. This role is pivotal, balancing continuous, incremental improvements with the opportunity to lead foundational projects that redefine our platform's capabilities. We are looking for a highly skilled engineer who is motivated by complex problems and has the drive to see a solution through to its source—whether it's in our own codebase, an open-source component, or a system managed by another team.
Architect and implement key software solutions for performance, security, and stability to directly enable the next generation of Infotainment and Autonomous driving featuresTrace and resolve complex issues across the entire software stack, from application-level services down to the hardware interfaceUnderstand and debug hardware and software interactions during design, launch, and deployment of products or features Enhance platform robustness by developing comprehensive software tests, improving our continuous integration infrastructure, and deploying software incrementally in a fast-paced environmentDistill vehicle product requirements into actionable software requirements, and define system hardware and software interfaces
Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with a gradation date between 2027 – 2028Experience in Embedded Linux and/or Android development, with a strong understanding of system fundamentalsExperience with C/C++ and/or GolangA methodical and persistent approach to debugging, with the willingness to trace issues across unfamiliar codebases to find the root causeA strong sense of ownership and the ability to drive challenging projects to completionAn ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts
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.
