Internship, ML Modeling Engineer, AI Hardware (Fall 2026)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 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.    

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.

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their manager, mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success. 

The Tesla AI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial intelligence through cutting-edge hardware innovation. Comprising brilliant engineers and visionaries, the team designs and develops advanced AI inference chips tailored to accelerate Tesla’s machine learning capabilities. The work of Tesla's AI Hardware team powers the neural networks behind Full Self-Driving (FSD), and Tesla humanoid robot, Optimus, pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency and performance. By creating custom silicon and optimized architectures, the team ensures Tesla remains a leader in AI-driven automotive and energy solutions, shaping a future where intelligent machines enhance human life. 

As a key member of the Tesla AI hardware team, the AI/ML Modeling Engineering Intern will drive the modeling, and optimization of next-generation tensor compute hardware. This role requires deep expertise in computer architecture, and proven proficiency in performance modeling and optimization. The ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of AI workloads, and thrives in fast-paced environments, delivering elegant, high-performance solutions that push the boundaries of AI hardware efficiency.  

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate closely with system architects, micro architects, ML model designers, and compiler engineers to create highly efficient hardware designs on accelerated timelines 

• Develop and validate sophisticated performance models to evaluate architecture and microarchitecture tradeoffs, guiding informed decision-making 

• Define comprehensive workload suites and key performance metrics to benchmark and evaluate hardware capabilities 

• Analyze and assess implementations of machine learning algorithms on Tesla AI hardware, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement 

• Participate in hardware/software co-design efforts to align future hardware capabilities with evolving algorithmic demands 

• Contribute to code reviews, testing, and debugging processes to maintain exceptional code quality and reliability 

• Stay abreast of cutting-edge advancements in AI workloads, domain-specific languages, computer architecture, and simulation methodologies to inform strategic directions 

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with a graduation date between 2026 - 2027

• Expertise in Python + ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)

• Experience with graph ML (e.g., PyG, DGL) for netlists and geometric data  

• In-depth knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs), transformer architectures, including their training, inference processes, and optimization techniques

• Strong expertise in CPU, GPU, and/or ML accelerator microarchitectures, with hands-on experience in performance characterization

• Robust programming skills in C/C++, Python, or other relevant languages

• Solid understanding of physical design constraints, including power, performance, and area (PPA) tradeoffs in hardware development

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, capable of dissecting complex issues and devising innovative, practical solutions

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration across teams, including leadership and engineering stakeholders

• Demonstrated experience in performance analysis, including the use of simulation frameworks and profiling tools

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Medical plans > 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 (90 day waiting period)

• 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

  
  

Expected Compensation

$25.00 - $65.00 + 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 is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.