What to Expect
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (approximately April 2026) or into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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. to experience life at Tesla by giving them ownership over projects that are critical to their team’s success.
Tesla uniquely builds foundational AI that moves beyond pixels and through the physical world — delivering this at scale requires general-purpose robots (Robotaxis & Optimus) capable of navigating complex environments with high precision. Every millisecond counts, as rapid perception & decision-making enables swift responses to dynamic conditions. This is where our Foundations team comes in — we combine low-level software techniques with modern C++ code to optimize the latency, throughput, and memory of our onboard camera & vision stack. Our work directly enhances both the safety & efficacy of Full-Self-Driving (FSD) as well as humanoid dexterity; this is key to expanding the Robotaxi fleet globally and advancing Optimus’ ability to perform intricate real-time tasks with near-human accuracy.

What You’ll Do

• Write, debug and maintain robust C/C++ code underpinning the entire FSD & Optimus software suite; depending on needs and your interests/skills, you might work on code related to our high frame rate camera & vision stack, write GPU kernels, design low memory footprint image compression libraries, implement high performance inter-process communication data buffers, improve/extend our image & raw data logging/telemetry code, or make our evaluation/replay software more stable and performant
• Optimize hardware resources usage, leverage custom hardware components where appropriate
• Generalize software frameworks when necessary while keeping in mind that too much abstraction can sometimes become a bottleneck

What You’ll Bring

• Experience programming C/C++ software, including modern C/C++ (C++14/17/20)
• Experience or familiarity with Computer Vision, Machine Learning & related software concepts a plus
• Experience with performant software design, object-oriented C++, compiler design and/or hardcore lower-level C code
• Proficient developing software on a Linux host, for embedded Linux targets (cross-compilation, etc.) a plus
• Experience with at least one of the following preferred: imaging software, Cuda/OpenCL, SIMD, multithreading, Linux system software (posix etc.), & computer vision
• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related fields with a graduation date between 2026-2027

Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

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

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick time after 90 days of employment 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
$100,000 - $150,000/annual salary + 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.
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process

• Write, debug and maintain robust C/C++ code underpinning the entire FSD & Optimus software suite; depending on needs and your interests/skills, you might work on code related to our high frame rate camera & vision stack, write GPU kernels, design low memory footprint image compression libraries, implement high performance inter-process communication data buffers, improve/extend our image & raw data logging/telemetry code, or make our evaluation/replay software more stable and performant
• Optimize hardware resources usage, leverage custom hardware components where appropriate
• Generalize software frameworks when necessary while keeping in mind that too much abstraction can sometimes become a bottlenec