Internship, System Controls Engineer, Energy Engineering (Winter/Spring 2027)

What To Expect

Start date: January 2027. The internship runs through the Winter/Spring term (through April/May 2026) and may extend into Summer 2027 if available. Minimum commitment is 12 weeks, full‑time (40 hours/week) on‑site. International students on CPT should consult their school. Many students will be limited to part‑time during the academic year.

Location: Palo Alto, CA.

What You’ll Do

• Support research and development of advanced optimal control algorithms for industrial and residential battery energy storage products.
• Create and integrate models, define algorithms, write testing code, and evaluate algorithm performance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Present findings to broader engineering teams.

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a graduate degree in engineering, math, physics, or a related field.
• Research experience in optimal control methods (e.g., MPC, LQR, trajectory optimization, learning‑based control).
• Familiarity with linear systems analysis, state estimation, and parameter identification methods.
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and collaborate cross‑functionally.
• Experience in gradient‑based optimization methods (a plus).
• Experience in differentiable programming (a plus).
• Fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer (a plus).
• Familiarity with electro‑thermal modeling of lithium‑ion battery cells (a plus).
• Familiarity with uncertainty quantification methods (a plus).

Benefits

• Medical plans with options that have $0 payroll deduction.
• Family‑building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental (including orthodontic) and vision plans, with $0 payroll contribution options.
• Company‑paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution when enrolled in a high‑deductible medical plan.
• 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 (90‑day waiting period).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sick and vacation time (flex time for salaried positions) and paid holidays.
• Back‑up childcare and parenting support resources.
• Voluntary benefits: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee discounts and perks program.

Pay

Expected compensation: $20.00 – $50.00 per hour, plus benefits. Pay may vary based on location, knowledge, skills, and experience.