Internship, Powertrain Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls (Winter/Spring 2027)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start January or February 2027 and continue through Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2027) or continuing into Summer 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. 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.

About the Team:

The Tesla Powertrain Controls team works on design and implementation of control algorithms and software that ensures 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-leading torque path and powertrain control systems (specifically, controlling motors 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 include One 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 driveline anti-knock algorithms to 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 between May 2027 – May 2028
• 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.
• Good proficiency with engineering development tools like Matlab/Simulink/Python
• Basic proficiency with software development in C/C++
• Real world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics, preferred