Internship, Software Integration Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through fall term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. 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.

Internship Program at Tesla:

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team's success.

About the Team:

As a software integration intern, you are expected to be an expert of your system, have a deep understanding of software - hardware dependencies and be able to communicate constraints, risks and mitigations to guide robot development. You will employ sound systems engineering principles to guide a team of engineers through software development.

You may need to wear multiple hats throughout the life of a program based on your system's needs from performing system tests to writing embedded code. You are expected to move projects along at an aggressive pace - keeping track of program/feature milestones and deliverables and pull together the contributions of many teams into a cohesive final product. You will also need to get your hands dirty in the details - dig through source code, root cause issues and propose solutions to complex problems, as well as test prototype firmware implementations on robot.

• Be the software bridge between all core robot software engineering teams, and broader Tesla software and hardware teams working on electronics, actuators, distribution and manufacturing

• Write C and/or C++ code to bring up or improve existing software features that integrates different subsystems to provide a new user experience

• Develop prototype test setups to integrate new subsystems with simulated and actual robot

• Lead and manage integration of initial prototype systems including bring-up, debug, and engineering test of alpha- and beta-phase prototype new robots

• Work cross-functionally across mechanical, electrical, actuator design, firmware development to understand new hardware changes and how to support them in firmware

• Provide feedback to program management team on time required for retiring risks with new hardware/software introduction

• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure the function(s) are rolled out and functioning properly. This can include development of processes, diagnostic tools and methods, and root-cause diagnosis for product issues

• Collaborate with validation teams to design tests which will validate the functions, interfaces, and interactions of the system

• Currently working towards a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 - December 2027

• Experience with C and/or C++; Python is a plus

• Experience with systems involving multiple networked microprocessors and smart electro-mechanical actuators

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and leading through influence

• Ability to multi-task and context switch between orthogonal projects running in parallel

• Ability to communicate complex technical topics across organizational levels and functions

Benefits

As 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

$125000.00 - $125000.00 + benefits

Pay 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.