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Internship, Thermal Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls (Fall 2025)

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Tesla

1mo ago

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Off-cycle Internship
  • Data
    Engineering
  • Palo Alto

AI generated summary

  • You should have a strong grasp of thermodynamics, dynamic systems, and control design. Experience in vehicle testing, basic C/C++ skills, and knowledge of data analytics are pluses.
  • You will develop algorithms for thermal management, build system models, collaborate with engineers for implementation, and analyze performance feedback to enhance HVAC and control systems.

Requirements

  • Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamics, devices like pumps, radiators, refrigerant systems, etc.
  • Background in dynamic system modeling, linear systems analysis, observers and state-estimation, and first principles design and analysis of control systems
  • Demonstrated ability to ground-up design, analyze, and implement control systems in real-world applications
  • Comfort working in actual vehicles and/or test-benches to test/refine controller designs
  • Basic proficiency with Embedded Firmware development in C/C++ is a plus
  • Basic proficiency working with data analytics distributed workloads (SQL, Spark, python) is a plus
  • Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field, with a graduation date between December 2025 – May 2026

Responsibilities

  • Research and develop estimation and control algorithms for thermal management of the cabin HVAC, powertrain, and heat pump, to deliver the best customer-experience in terms of performance, range, NVH, and cabin comfort
  • Build numerical system models and use them to develop and refine control strategies and drive their implementation
  • Work closely with Firmware, Integration, and Hardware Engineers to implement, test, and debug these algorithms on vehicle
  • Monitor, investigate, and close the loop on fleet performance and customer feedback of thermal controls performance
  • Advance the state-of-the-art in Thermal and HVAC Control systems

FAQs

What is the duration of the internship?

The internship is expected to start around August or September 2025 and continue through the Fall term, ending approximately in December 2025, with the possibility of continuing into Winter/Spring 2026 if available.

Are international students eligible to apply?

Yes, international students can apply, but they must consult their school regarding their work authorization and ability to work 40 hours per week on-site.

What academic background is required for this internship?

Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a graduation date between December 2025 and May 2026.

What will I be doing as an intern?

As an intern, you will be designing, simulating, and helping implement and calibrate algorithms for thermal performance management in Tesla vehicles, alongside researching and developing control algorithms for various thermal management systems.

Is there a minimum weekly work requirement?

Yes, a minimum of 40 hours per week is required for most internships, and applicants should commit to at least 12 weeks of full-time, on-site work.

What technical skills are preferred for this role?

Preferred skills include strong fundamentals in heat transfer and thermodynamics, dynamic system modeling, control system design, as well as basic proficiency with Embedded Firmware development in C/C++ and data analytics using SQL, Spark, and Python.

What type of vehicle systems will I be working with?

You will be working with thermal management systems for powertrains, battery packs, heat pumps, and cabin HVAC systems in Tesla vehicles.

What kind of compensation and benefits can I expect?

The expected compensation ranges from $36.06 to $56.12 per hour, plus benefits including medical, dental, vision plans, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and various additional company-supported benefits.

Will I be working closely with other engineers?

Yes, you will work closely with Firmware, Integration, and Hardware Engineers to implement, test, and debug the thermal control algorithms on vehicles.

Are there opportunities for advancement or continued employment after the internship?

While the position is primarily for the specified internship duration, there may be opportunities to continue into Winter/Spring 2026 if available and applicable.

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Tesla

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Automotive
Industry
10,001+
Employees
2003
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy through increasingly affordable electric vehicles in addition to renewable energy generation and storage. California-based Tesla is committed to having the best-in-class in safety, performance, and reliability in all Tesla cars. There are currently over 275,000 Model S, Model X and Model 3 vehicles on the road worldwide. To achieve a sustainable energy future, Tesla also created infinitely scalable energy products: Powerwall, Powerpack and Solar Roof. As the world’s only vertically integrated energy company, Tesla continues to innovate, scale and reduce the costs of commercial and grid-scale systems, with the goal of ultimately getting us to 100% renewable energy grids.