Internship, Software Engineer, Camera & Robotics (Winter/Spring 2027)

About the role

Internship, Software Engineer, Camera & Robotics (Winter/Spring 2027) | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 283274 | Job Type: Intern/Apprentice

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) 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.

Internship Program at Tesla

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We provide an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.

As a Software Engineer Intern on the Camera Hardware team, you will contribute to the development and validation of embedded software and firmware that powers Tesla's custom camera systems. This role focuses on low-level software for camera sensor control, data acquisition, and hardware integration in automotive-grade environments. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers, optics specialists, and validation teams to ensure robust, high-quality camera performance across Tesla vehicles.

What You'll Do

• Support camera hardware bring-up, characterization, and validation using scripting and automation tools
• Create software tools for image quality analysis, tuning (e.g., auto-exposure, white balance, defect correction), and calibration
• Analyze data from hardware test setups and vehicle prototypes to identify and resolve issues related to noise, latency, or reliability
• Contribute to machine learning projects for ISP enhancements, such as training or evaluating neural network-based models for advanced image processing tasks (e.g., learned denoising, tone mapping, or raw-to-RGB reconstruction) to improve data quality for SI perception systems
• Run image simulations light simulations using ANSYS SPEOS, Imsym
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts for web applications using industry-standard tools

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems
• Experience with Python for scripting, data analysis, or automation
• Understanding of real-time systems and hardware-software interfaces
• Exposure in sensor integration for robotics/vehicles
• Basic understanding of cameras and geometric optics
• Passionate cimage sensors, camera systems, inventing solutions, and finding better and simpler ways to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy

Benefits

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

• Medical plans > 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 (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 to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$20.00 - $50.00 + benefitsPay 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.