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Internship, Powertrain Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls (Winter/Spring 2027)
Career Insights for Mechatronics Engineer
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What they do
A Mechatronics Engineer combines skillsets common to mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, systems engineering and control engineering. Often focuses on projects where physical movability or use case flexibility is prioritized. Designs, tests, studies and inspects complex machines including cars, drones, industrial machinery and even automated submersibles.
$124,489 / year median in California
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Internship, Powertrain Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls (Winter/Spring 2027) Tesla Motors, Inc. 50 - 59 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Sep 03, 2026
What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start January or February 2027 and continue throughWinter/Spring term (endingapproximately May 2027) or continuing into Summer 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of12 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. About the Team The TeslaPowertrainControls team works on design and implementation of control algorithms and software thatensures seamless torque delivery to every Tesla vehicle.
The control algorithms at Tesla are strongly physics oriented, so the role requires an individual that can apply first-principles analysis and advanced control techniques for the design and implementation of novel, industry-leadingtorque path and powertraincontrol systems (specifically,controllingmotors and brakes, while respecting and enforcing power limitations, to meet various longitudinal control and comfort goals). This role will also require working cross-functionally with various groups including Chassis Hardware, Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling, Firmware, Systems Integration, and Self Driving teams. Some well-known systems our team has developed and shipped includeOne Pedal Driving,Acceleration pedal response, Full Self Driving (FSD) longitudinal controls, Regen Backfill, and Off-road Trail Assist, as well as under-the-hood algorithms including torque split, regen blending, and drivelineanti-knockalgorithmsto efficiently and comfortably allocate driver commands to the motors. What You'll Do
Develop control-oriented models of powertrain systems for analysis and estimation
Work with Vehicle Dynamics Engineers to ensure sensing, actuation, and algorithm designs can deliver the desired vehicle dynamics attributes
Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize system capability and flexibility
Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to maximize system safety and reliability
Work with Firmware/Integration Engineers to test, debug, and calibrate the algorithms in simulation and in car
Ensure stability and performance of the algorithms using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools, in the vehicle at proving grounds and in the customer fleet
Build tools for visualization, simulation, etc. to make the controls development process smoother and more robust What You'll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or similar with a graduation date betweenMay2027 -May2028
Background in first principles linear systems analysis, state-estimation, and control design
Basic understanding of the physics of electric drivetrains, and chassis actuators like brakes, steering, suspensions, etc.
Goodproficiencywith engineering development tools likeMatlab/Simulink/Python
Basicproficiencywith software development in C/C++
Real world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics, preferred
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
Expected Compensation
$50.06 - $58.89 + 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.