Internship, Software Engineer, Maps & Self-Driving Navigation (Winter/Spring 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing 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.

Internship Programs at Tesla

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions that they will grow both technically and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows for the intern to experience life at Tesla by giving them ownership over projects that are critical to their team's success.

Locations:Palo Alto, CA

About the Team

Tesla is a leader in Autopilot technology and we're building the world's best in-car navigation experience. These two fields overlap in the role of Maps Engineer. We're looking for motivated software engineers 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 and Smart Summon 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.

• Rapidly prototype in-car customer experiences
• Build full stack features for both in-car maps and Autopilot navigation
• Extract meaningful data from fleet telemetry via automated processes
• Implement complete features with both client and server footprint
• 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

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field with a gradation date between 2026 - 2027
• Proficient in one of C++, Python, Go, 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
• Nice to have: Experience with Maps / GIS / Computational Geometry data is a strong plus, Experience in Spark, AWS, Kubernetes, Jenkins

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

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.