Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer Intern
Vehicle Controls
Updated on 10/23/2026

Tesla
No salary listed
Palo Alto, CA, USA
In Person
On-site; full-time, 40 hours per week.
CategoryVehicle SoftwareLocationPALO ALTO, CaliforniaRequisition ID282265TypeIntern/Apprentice
Job Description
<p>Consider before submitting an application:</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>About the Team</p><p>The Tesla Vehicle Motion Controls team works on design and implementation of control algorithms and software that delivers the world-class vehicle dynamics attributes Tesla vehicles are known for. 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 vehicle motion control systems (specifically, controlling brake, suspension, steering, aero, and powertrain systems). 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 an industry-first Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Steer system on the Cybertruck, Track Mode and torque vectoring for the Plaid Model S, Tesla’s in-house stability control (VDC), multi-motor traction control, adaptive suspension damping, trailer sway control, Self Driving actuator controls, etc.</p>Job Responsibilities
- Develop control-oriented models of chassis 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
Job Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or similar field with a graduation date between May 2027 – May 2028
- Background in first principles linear systems analysis, state-estimation, and control design
- Fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics, specifically low and medium fidelity models to be used within a control algorithm
- 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
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