Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2026)

Description:
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.
About the Team:
Tesla is on a path to building humanoid robots at scale to automate repetitive and boring tasks. We are looking for an embedded software intern to develop embedded platform drivers and application layer code for various robotics applications on our Optimus platform.
In this role, you will develop scalable drivers to interface with an ASIC or bring up a new communication protocol or optimize existing drivers to improve performance or write application-level modules to achieve a specific function on a given subsystem.
The robotics firmware team is small, passionate, and fast-moving. Come join a team of deeply knowledgeable engineers that strive to build the most robust and reliable embedded systems using cutting edge software development tools and practices.

Responsibilities:
Development of scalable real-time embedded software that implements sensing, control and safety management of the Tesla Bot actuators
Bring up new sensors, communication networks, and new PCBA for various robotic applications
Develop automated tests to ensure high quality software releases and accurate functionality
Be involved in the full life cycle of firmware development from concept through integration, test, and release as our fleet of robot grows
Work closely with the hardware and controls team to specify hardware actuation, sensing requirements and influence electronics designs

Requirements:
Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 – December 2027
Proficiency in C/C++, familiarity with Python is a plus
Experience with reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior
Knowledge of microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, PWM, SPI and I2C, ethernet and CAN
Experience working with sensors and digital signal processing
Experience working with the physical and data link layers of ethernet and/or other communication protocols
Experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Compensation & 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 - $60.00 + 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.