About the role#
As a Software Engineer intern on the Vehicle UI Development team, you will build user interfaces for in-car systems. You will work with cross-functional groups to deliver features for vehicle subsystems like HVAC, body controls, drive systems, and charging. This role requires a first-principles approach to mechatronics and collaboration with designers and embedded developers to create intuitive vehicle experiences.
What you'll do#
- Create rapid prototypes for in-car customer experiences.
- Design and specify requirements for new features.
- Code, debug, and maintain UI interfaces and state machines.
- Build interfaces that support system-level vehicle behaviors.
- Collaborate with hardware, software, and integration engineers.
What you'll need#
- Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Graduation date between May 2027 and May 2028.
- Proficiency in C or C++.
- Strong grasp of computer science fundamentals and embedded development.
- Understanding of mechatronics and electrical engineering principles.
- Ability to analyze data to improve system design and performance.
- Experience working with complex systems with multiple components.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Capacity to manage concurrent projects and challenges.
- Experience with the Qt framework is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Winter 2027 through Spring 2027, with potential extension into Summer 2027.
- Modality: Full-time, on-site (40 hours per week).
- Compensation: $42.07 to $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.



