Tesla, Inc

Internship, Climate Controls Calibration Engineer, Vehicle Controls (Fall 2025)

Tesla, Inc • $75K — $117K *
Palo Alto, CA 94303In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
More than 3 months ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or similar (graduating between Dec 2025 - May 2026).
  • Strong grasp of heat-transfer fundamentals and HVAC systems.
  • Ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute experiments on thermal problems.
  • Skilled at independent problem-solving and systematic issue triage.
  • Basic proficiency in Embedded Software development in C/C++.
  • Experience in calibration roles is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Support climate control calibration for new programs with hardware/software collaboration.
  • Monitor and investigate customer feedback on climate control performance.
  • Develop and validate updates to enhance climate control functions.
  • Identify gaps in climate control algorithms and collaborate for improvements.
  • Drive advancements towards a touchless climate control system.
  • Execute test plans to ensure stable customer experiences across vehicles.
  • Coordinate and execute test-trips in varying climatic conditions.

Benefits

  • Medical plans with $0 payroll deduction (Aetna PPO and HSA options).
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
  • Dental and vision plans, also with $0 payroll contribution options.
  • 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans for financial growth.
  • Company Paid life and short-term disability insurance.
  • Sick time, Paid Holidays, and Employee Assistance Program.
  • Commuter benefits and employee discounts.
Full Job Description
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.

Responsibilities
  • 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 experience
  • Monitor, investigate, and root-cause customer feedback of climate control performance
  • Develop 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 improvements
  • Push to improve Tesla's technology in climate control systems towards the goal of a "touchless" climate control system
  • Regularly execute test plans to ensure stability of the customer experience across changing seasons and vehicle platforms/variants
  • Scope-out, coordinate, and execute regular test-trips to various climatic conditions to develop, verify, and sign-off on climate control algorithm and calibration updates
  • Be the voice of the customer when new HVAC hardware is being designed


Requirements
  • Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, with a graduation date between December 2025 - May 2026
  • Strong grasp of heat-transfer fundamentals, HVAC systems, and concepts of human thermal comfort
  • Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute experiments on any practical thermal problem
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently, triage issues systematically, and develop, test, and iterate solutions methodically and rigorously
  • Basic proficiency with Embedded Software in C/C++
  • Experience in a calibration role, preferred


Compensation and Benefits
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 + 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.


About Tesla, Inc

Tesla Motors specializes in developing a full range of electric vehicles. Tesla Motors was started by a group of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and strives to create a revolution and accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. Tesla vehicles are EVs (electric vehicles), which are transforming the way people drive and move. Tesla has gone public as of June 29, 2010, and has a market cap of $34.32 billion. Tesla Motors’ goal is to increase the number and variety of EVs through three strategies. The first is to sell its own branded vehicle through its showrooms. The second is to sell premium, high-quality, patented electric components to other automakers. Lastly, it serves as a “catalyst and positive example to other automakers.” There has already been a movement in the EV market with the push of the GM Volt, rumored to have been inspired by the Tesla Roadster.

Tesla, Inc Careers

Join the trailblazing team at Tesla, Inc, a leader in sustainable energy and electric vehicles, and be part of a company that’s driving the future of innovation. At Tesla, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for growth, leadership, and significant impact in the industry. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career with Tesla, Inc and contribute to our mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. Engage in work that matters, with projects that integrate renewable energy solutions across the globe. Tesla is not just a car company; we are an energy innovation company. With roles ranging from engineering to marketing, our team is composed of talented professionals who lead the way in technology, design, and sustainability. Join our diverse team and thrive in a culture that celebrates fresh ideas, problem-solving, and a commitment to diversity training that ensures all voices are heard and valued. Innovative Work At Tesla, Inc, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From the development of cutting-edge battery technology to the creation of solar panels and sustainable energy solutions, our team is redefining what is possible. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology and make a lasting impact on the environment and industry. Career Development Tesla is committed to the professional growth of its employees. Explore a range of career paths within the company and benefit from leadership training, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities that propel your career forward. Our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry makes Tesla an ideal place for those looking to grow their skills and advance their careers. Whether you’re seeking an internship, full-time position, or leadership role, Tesla offers a path to personal and professional growth. Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. At Tesla, we value passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to drive change. SEARCH TESLA JOBS Stay Connected Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Tesla, Inc. Tesla, Inc is not just a place to work—it’s a place to innovate, lead, and contribute to one of the most important missions of our time. Join us, and help shape the future of energy and transportation.
Learn more about Tesla, Inc
Size
70,757 employees
Market Cap
$350.6 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$690 million
Founded
2003
5 Year Trend
+50.4%
Revenue
$31.5 billion
NASDAQ
TSLA
* Ladders Estimates

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