Internship, Robotaxi Simulation Engineer, Systems Modeling & Optimization (Fall 2026)
Tesla · Palo Alto, CA · 2 mo ago
On-siteInformation Technology$50.08–$58.89/hrInternship
About the role
This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through fall term (ending approximately December 2026 or later, if available). 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.
What You'll Do
- Design and implement optimization algorithms for fleet orchestration problems including matching, repositioning, and charging
- Build automated validation pipelines that compare simulation outputs against production data to detect model drift and regressions
- Profile and optimize simulation hot paths, targeting significant runtime and memory improvements
- Implement memory optimizations to support extended multi-day scenario analysis at scale
- Establish performance benchmarks and integrate them into CI to prevent regressions
- Collaborate to align simulation algorithms with production services
- Communicate analysis results and algorithm tradeoffs to cross-functional teams and decision makers
What You'll Bring
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Operations Research, Engineering, or a related field with a graduation date between December 2026 and December 2027
- Fluency with exploratory statistical analysis and testing on large data sets
- Strong fundamental background in optimization techniques (linear/nonlinear programming, combinatorial optimization, stochastic modeling) applied to fleet management or logistics problems
- Strong evidence of ability to design, analyze, and implement optimization schemes for real-world systems from the ground up
- Experience with performance profiling and optimization of Python applications (memory management, CPython extensions, or similar)
- Proficiency in Python; experience with Golang and collaborative code development is a plus
- Strong evidence of ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and execute on open-ended projects in a fast-paced environment
Benefits
- Compensation and Benefits
- Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- 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
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), 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
- Expected Compensation $50.08 - $58.89/hour + benefits
- The 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.