What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around August or September 2025 and continue through the Fall term (ending approximately December 2025) or continuing into Winter/Spring 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.
About The Team
Tesla develops all algorithms for the Climate Control System completely in-house. The Climate Controls Calibration Engineer will play a key role in ensuring these algorithms deliver a consistently excellent user experience across all environments and vehicle variants. You will play a critical role to our goal of moving towards a “touchless” HVAC user experience where the vehicle always does the right thing to keep occupants comfortable.
You will use first principles understanding of Climate Control Systems, human thermal comfort theory to identify gaps in our algorithms. You will also develop and calibrate solutions to close these gaps. Tracking customer feedback through various channels, reproducing issues, root-causing them, and developing and testing robust solutions will be a regular task. In addition, you will also play a crucial role in calibrating and updating the climate control algorithms for all the new vehicles we regularly bring to markets.
You will get to work on of the most vertically integrated Climate Control System in the industry, with algorithms ranging from multi-zone temperature control, automatic defog and defrosting, air-quality management, user interface interaction, automatic seat cooling/heating and steering wheel heating functions, etc. all developed by a small team of engineers within Tesla. Regular travel will be an essential part of this role.
What You'll Do
Support Climate Controls Calibration for new programs which includes developing and validating calibration updates as well as managing the bring up of the climate controls stack by connecting with both hardware and software collaborators, managing priorities and expectations, feeding back test results and concerns in order to create uncompromised climate comfort experienceMonitor, investigate, and root-cause customer feedback of climate control performanceDevelop and validate calibration updates to and improve performance of climate control functions like temperature control, defog/defrost, auto seat heating/cooling, air quality management, etc.Identify fundamental gaps in existing climate control algorithms and work with controls and firmware engineers to drive improvementsPush to improve Tesla’s technology in climate control systems towards the goal of a “touchless” climate control systemRegularly execute test plans to ensure stability of the customer experience across changing seasons and vehicle platforms/variantsScope-out, coordinate, and execute regular test-trips to various climatic conditions to develop, verify, and sign-off on climate control algorithm and calibration updatesBe the voice of the customer when new HVAC hardware is being designed
What You'll Bring
Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, with a graduation date between December 2025 - May 2026Strong grasp of heat-transfer fundamentals, HVAC systems, and concepts of human thermal comfortDemonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute experiments on any practical thermal problemDemonstrated ability to operate independently, triage issues systematically, and develop, test, and iterate solutions methodically and rigorouslyBasic proficiency with Embedded Software in C/C++Experience in a calibration role, preferred
Benefits
Compensation and 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
$36.06 - $56.12/hour + 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
