Internship, Software Controls Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2025)
Tesla
Internship, Software Controls Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2025)
| Job Category | AI & Robotics |
|---|---|
| Location | Palo Alto, California |
| Req. ID | 241053 |
| 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.
Tesla is on a path to build humanoid bi-pedal robots at scale to automate repetitive and boring tasks. As a member of the software team, you will design and implement reliable & efficient control code for bipedal locomotion, object manipulation and state estimation. You will work on improving the robot’s behavior in the real world, and reflecting those capabilities in a simulation engine for fast iteration. The code you will write will at term run in thousands of humanoid robots in real world situations and will therefore be held to high quality standards.
Experience programming in C or C++
Practical experience with closed-loop controls system development, modeling, and implementation in an embedded environment
Solid background in linear systems analysis, stability, and controller design
Familiarity with control of non-linear systems
Capability of delivering high-quality code in an embedded environment
Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2025 – May 2026
Experience with state estimation through IMU, encoders, force sensors, etc.
Experience working on bipedal robots or other multi-DOF robotic hardware
Experience with shipping control algorithms on real products at scale
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
$100000.00 - $150000.00 + 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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