Internship, Software Distributed Systems Engineer, Cell Engineering (Spring 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the entire Spring term (i.e. through May 2026) or into Summer 2026 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most 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.
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
The Cell Manufacturing team is looking for a motivated Backend Software Engineer to help design software solutions for a high volume, cell charging/discharging system. As a member of the software and firmware team, you will be responsible for implementing and delivering high quality software to the Cell Product and Qualification programs. You will show outstanding organizational and communication skills and an eagerness to learn in a dynamic environment. You will be a team player in a collaborative workplace.

Responsibilities

• Interns will work on projects within the Cell Manufacturing organization such as implementing concurrent systems, cell cycling, state machine algorithms, and/or high speed data management
• Develop high reliability Go code that is structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable Interface equipment with Tesla production databases
• Create new features and modifications as the manufacturing process matures and production needs change
• Work with firmware and integration engineers to implement, test, debug, and calibrate your features in our production line and research lab
• Produce robust software to support global manufacturing across multiple factories by instrumenting services to increase observability, architecting scalable software systems, and authoring documentation
• Contribute to and participate in software testing and continuous deployment processes
• Hands-on with hardware bring-up and prototyping

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant engineering program such as Computer Science, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Proficient in system-level languages such as Golang (preferred), C, C++, and/or Python
• Qualifications for the above teams will include one or more of the following skillsets:
• Experience in Linux OS. Experience writing software for embedded Linux systems and software/kernel updates
• Experience in Python/Bash scripting
• Experience in Docker, JSON and YAML best-practices
• Robust understanding of software fundamentals including software design, Git, scripting, CI/CD, algorithms, basic data structures, code modularity, and maintainability
• Demonstrate a good understanding of testing concepts including white box and black box testing, regression testing, unit testing, and performance testing
• Familiarity with modern system technologies such as gRPC, GraphQL, SQL and NoSQL databases
• Familiarity with hardware connection protocols such as CAN, UDS, gRPC, ModbTCP, TCP/IP, OPCUA, etc.

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 + 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.