Internship, Software Engineer Opticaster (Summer 2026)

Internship, Software Engineer Opticaster, Energy Engineering (Summer 2026)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 or later, if available). 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.

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

Opticaster’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by optimizing how batteries are charged and discharged to maximize value for customers and the grid. Our software powers Tesla’s energy products, including Megapacks, Powerwalls, Virtual Power Plants, and microgrids, ensuring they operate efficiently at scale.

As an intern on the Opticaster team, you will focus on developing and maintaining AI-driven software systems for real-time energy optimization. You will work alongside experienced engineers to build energy storage ML and optimization models, develop monitoring tools to ensure system reliability, and improve the scalability of our software infrastructure. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world energy systems and cutting-edge technologies that enhance grid stability and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and maintain scalable software solutions for energy storage optimization, ensuring reliable performance in production

• Develop machine learning techniques to improve forecasting and decision-making

• Design and implement features that improve customer experience and engagement

• Build and enhance cloud-based tools to analyze system performance and monitor our global fleet

• Contribute to the development of simulation and testing frameworks to validate AI/ML algorithm effectiveness

• Identify and address performance bottlenecks related to infrastructure, computation, and memory efficiency

What You’ll Bring

• Pursuing a Degree in Computer Science or related field

• Proficiency in Python or other relevant programming languages, with experience in Linux environments and Git

• Familiarity with cloud computing and big data technologies such as AWS, Spark, Airflow, or Kubernetes

• Experience with software development and an interest in deploying code to production environments

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

• Passion for renewable energy and energy storage, with a bonus for prior experience in the field

• Experience with machine learning and AI techniques, particularly in time series forecasting or optimization

Compensation and Benefits

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

$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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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