Powertrain Controls Intern: EV Dynamics & Testing

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

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