Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2026)

What to Expect 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 per week) and on‑site, for most internships. This 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. What you’ll do Develop 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 PCBAs 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 robots grows. Work closely with the hardware and controls team to specify hardware actuation and sensing requirements and influence electronics designs. What you’ll bring Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 and 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, 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). Benefits As a full‑time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for: Medical plans, with plan options (including $0 payroll deduction) Family‑building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both with options for $0 payroll contribution Company‑paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution when enrolled in a high‑deductible medical plan with HSA Healthcare and dependent‑care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, 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: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance Commuter benefits, employee discounts and perks program Expected compensation: $20,000 – $60,000 annual salary + benefits. Pay offered may vary depending on market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tesla