Internship, Access Control Systems Integration Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Fall 2025)
Tesla
Internship, Access Control Systems Integration Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Fall 2025)
| Job Category | Vehicle Software |
|---|---|
| Location | PALO ALTO, California |
| Req. ID | 240708 |
| Job Type | Intern/Apprentice |
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around August or September 2025 and continue through the Fall term (ending approximately December 2025) or continuing into Winter/Spring 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.
About the role:
The access control systems integration engineer intern is responsible for maintaining our leading position in the industry by providing the most seamless vehicle access control experience to our customers. This role will be responsible for evaluating future technologies as well as ensuring current production systems work flawlessly, by collaborating with various cross-functional teams, including design (software, electrical and mechanical), validation, manufacturing, service, and program management. Access control systems engineers are responsible for the overall functionality and performance of keys and security systems throughout the product life cycle. This role will be working with various wireless technologies (for example, BLE, UWB, and NFC) in combination with iOS, Android, and other custom devices, as well as continued optimization of the systems in the context of many vehicle platforms and connected backend services.
- Design prototypes to evaluate new technologies
- Bring-up and debug early software and hardware prototypes through characterizing the systems and ensuring systems perform to requirements
- Turn user behaviors and experience for the access control systems into actionable software and hardware requirements
- Lead software architecture design of access control products and features
- Support validation teams in developing component and system level test plans to meet product requirements
- Understand and debug hardware and software interactions during design, launch, and deployment of products or features
- Perform field data analysis to improve design and performance of the system
- Help various cross-functional teams understand how their systems and related decisions impact different vehicle systems
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2025 – December 2026
- Comfortable with Electrical Engineering fundamentals
- Experience with low power wireless networks, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy or Ultra Wide Band
- Proficient in Python
- Strong C/C++ comprehension
- Excellent at hands-on debugging complex systems involving network microprocessors
- Experience prototyping embedded systems involving handling hardware and wiring
- Comfortable analyzing data to improve design and performance of a system
- Understanding of hardware and software development processes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
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
$36.06 - $56.12 + 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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