Internship, Software Systems Engineer, AI Hardware (Winter/Spring 2026)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:    

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 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. 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.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the team to enhance existing input architecture 

• Identify and improve existing systems incrementally while maximizing impact and return on investment 

• Develop and maintain code for infrastructure software, focusing on areas such as: scalability & performance optimization; availability, reliability, & fault tolerance; automation & orchestration of datacenter operations

• Participate in the testing and validation of infrastructure software to ensure it meets quality and reliability standards

What You’ll Bring

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

• Experience in C/C++ languages and Linux environment 

• Strong programming skills in Python, Go, and/or Bash 

• Proficient in independently navigating and analyzing source code across diverse languages to answer complex technical questions

• Fluent in software fundamentals including software design and maintainability

• Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts 

• Experience in Ethernet and TCP/IP networking technologies

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

$40.00 - $55.00 + 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.