Internship, Firmware Engineer, New Programs Engineering (Fall 2025)

Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around August or September 2025 and continue through the Fall term (ending approximately December 2025) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. entry level candidates 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 provide 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
The New Programs Engineering team works at the front end of the design and development cycle by studying, simulating, building, and proving successful Tesla's future vehicle concepts. As a Firmware Engineer Intern on the New Programs Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing new technologies and prototyping various concepts for new vehicle designs and features. Come join a very dynamic team of highly knowledgeable engineers that strive to build exciting new vehicle programs.
Multiple Locations Possible: Fremont, CA; Hawthorne, CA

Responsibilities

• Prototype new vehicle programs. Define system hardware and software interfaces

• Deliver high-quality C code in a real-time embedded environment

• Specify, design, and implement functionality and behaviors of embedded subsystems

• Engage cross-functional discussions with electrical, software, manufacturing, mechanical design, and service teams

• Understand and debug interfaces/interactions required for successful implementation of vehicle level firmware

Requirements

• Currently pursiung a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related field

• Experience in C/C++

• Solid understanding of embedded development and low-level coding

• Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts

• Must be detail-oriented with an ability to think creatively and produce "outside of the box" solutions

• FSAE, Hyperloop or Solar Racing experience is a plus

• Familiarity with embedded communication protocols is a big plus (such as CAN, LIN, I2C, SPI)

• Experience with RTOS, firmware architecture, device drivers or programming hardware components is a plus

Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick time after 90 days of employment 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

$20.00 - $50.00 + 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.