Internship, Powertrain Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls (Winter/Spring 2027)

UEC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans with $0 payroll

Dental and vision with $0 payroll

HSA contributions by company

401(k) and ESPP

Paid holidays and flex time

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated intern in Palo Alto to develop control-oriented models for powertrain systems and collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to ensure sensing, actuation, and algorithm designs meet performance goals. You will implement control and estimation algorithms, test in SIL/HIL environments, and help calibrate software for real vehicles.

The role emphasizes hands-on development with Matlab/Simulink and Python, a background in linear systems and state estimation, and

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a Mechanical/Automotive Engineering program with graduation between May 2027 and May 2028.
• Background in first principles linear systems analysis, state estimation, and control design.
• Proficiency with Matlab, Simulink, and Python.
• Basic understanding of electric drivetrain physics and chassis actuators such as brakes, steering, and suspensions.

Responsibilities

• Develop control-oriented models of powertrain systems for analysis and estimation.
• Collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to ensure sensing, actuation, and algorithm designs meet vehicle dynamics goals.
• Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize system capability and flexibility.
• Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to enhance system safety and reliability.
• Work with Firmware and Integration Engineers to test, debug, and calibrate algorithms in simulation and in vehicles.
• Ensure algorithm stability and performance using SIL and HIL tools, at proving grounds and in customer fleets.
• Build tools for visualization and simulation to improve the controls development process.

Skills

Matlab

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Vehicle dynamics

State estimation

Education

Mechanical/Automotive Eng (May 2027–May 2028)

Tools

C/C++ development environments

Simulink environment

Job description

Your Role

Here's what you will be doing:

• Develop control-oriented models of powertrain systems for analysis and estimation
• Collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to ensure sensing, actuation, and algorithm designs meet vehicle dynamics goals
• Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize system capability and flexibility
• Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to enhance system safety and reliability
• Work with Firmware and Integration Engineers to test, debug, and calibrate algorithms in simulation and in vehicles
• Ensure algorithm stability and performance using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools, at proving grounds and in customer fleets
• Build tools for visualization and simulation to improve the controls development process

About You

The company is looking for candidates who have:

• Current enrollment in a degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or similar, with graduation between May 2027 and May 2028
• Background in first principles linear systems analysis, state estimation, and control design
• Basic understanding of electric drivetrain physics and chassis actuators such as brakes, steering, and suspensions
• Proficiency with engineering development tools like Matlab, Simulink, and Python
• Basic proficiency in software development using C/C++
• Preferred real-world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics

Compensation & Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Medical plans with options including $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Dental and vision plans, both with options for $0 payroll contribution
• Company-paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions 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, paid holidays, and flex time for salaried positions
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft and legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Expected compensation ranges from $50.06 to $58.89 per hour plus benefits. Pay may vary based on location, knowledge, skills, and experience.