About the role#
The SI Hardware Engineering team builds custom SoCs for Full Self-Driving inference and training computers. We focus on the intersection of hardware and software, managing the full firmware stack from initial ROM instructions to RTOS applications. As an intern, you will join the firmware team to own a specific project, working alongside chip architects. You will contribute to firmware development on both pre-silicon platforms and physical hardware.
What you'll do#
- Write and debug C firmware for RTOS and bare-metal environments.
- Participate in code reviews.
- Bring up and test firmware on FPGA, emulation platforms, and target boards in the lab.
- Write or extend low-level drivers for interfaces like SPI, I2C, and UART.
- Learn the bring-up process for complex subsystems including PCIe, DDR, CAN, and Ethernet.
- Identify root causes of hardware-level bugs using JTAG debuggers, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
- Develop host tools for code generation, test automation, and log analysis.
- Improve the build system and add unit tests or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests.
- Document designs, results, and open risks.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Returning to school after the internship with an expected graduation between December 2027 and May 2028.
- Proficiency in C, including memory layout, pointers, and bit manipulation.
- Understanding of microprocessor fundamentals such as memory maps, registers, and interrupts.
- Comfort using Linux, git, and the command line.
- A methodical approach to debugging.
- Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to engineers in other disciplines.
Location & details#
- Location: Austin, Texas.
- Terms: Winter 2027 and Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week).
- This is a paid internship.
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.
