Internship, Software Engineer, Maps & Navigation, Robotaxi (Winter/Spring 2027)

About the role

Internship, Software Engineer, Maps & Navigation, Robotaxi (Winter/Spring 2027) | Tesla (Vehicle Software)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 280960 | 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.

Tesla is building the world's best in-car navigation experience and we're looking for motivated Software Engineers at all levels that are up to the challenge.

You will implement next generation algorithms on top of large amounts of data from the Tesla fleet. This is a cornerstone on which Navigate on Autopilot, Smart Summon, and Robotaxi are implemented. In addition, the same data will drive more efficient routing and better turn-by-turn navigation for customers.

The ideal candidate is self-driven, has experience developing high-performance applications and motivated by complex algorithmic problems. Our engineers must bring a principled, data-driven methodology to software development with a passion for improving quality of their products. Flexibility is paramount, as the engineer must learn a wide array of technologies to improve customer experience ranging from route quality and ETA prediction all the way to self-driving capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Rapidly prototype in-car customer experiences
• Extract meaningful data from fleet telemetry via automated processes
• Implement complete features with both client and server footprint
• Drive your changes end to end from concept to in car drive test
• Design, code, and debug software on Linux-based embedded platforms and Linux servers
• Work with a cross-functional team of hardware engineers, application/UI software engineers, QA/Validation, and designers

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field with a graduation date between 2027 - 2028
• Evidence of exceptional achievement in large-scale algorithmic environments
• Proficient in one of C++, Python, Golang, Scala
• Experience writing and shipping customer-facing code
• High standards for code quality, maintainability, and performance
• Willingness to learn new technologies in any area of the stack: Vehicle Control, Routing/Guidance Algorithms, Server Infrastructure, UI, Embedded Systems
• Experience with Maps, GIS, Computational Geometry data is a strong plus
• Experience in Spark, AWS, Kubernetes, Jenkins is a plus
• Experience in Machine Learning algorithms is a plus

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$42.00 - $58.00 + 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.