Internship, Software Validation Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Winter/Spring 2027) Tesla Motors, Inc. 50 - 59 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Sep 03, 2026

What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through Spring term (ending approximately May 2027) or continuing into Summer 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. Internship Program at Tesla 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. About the Team The Systems Validation teamis responsible forvalidatingall softwareand systemrequirements prior toany new software release or new product introduction.

This includes inventing and buildingstate of the artautomated test infrastructure to increase the efficiency and precision of testing used throughout the development and validation cycle. The teamis looking for highly motivated interns tosupportDrive Systems, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Crash Safety, Thermal Management, HVAC, Body Controls, Lighting, Access Controls, Battery Management, Charging, Power Conversion, High and Low Voltage Power Distribution,Autonomy andCore Test Infrastructure. The ideal candidate is strong in system-level troubleshooting, automation tools,andhardwareand softwaredesign, with a passion for mechatronics and seamless user experiences. Interns willdirectlyimpactthecontinuous development of softwarefor existingand new vehicle programs bycontributing tothevalidationstrategyandbuildingnewautomatedtestinfrastructure. What You'll Do

Develop and execute comprehensive system-levelvalidationplansfor the continuous improvement of existing products and the launch of new products

Specify, design, develop and integrate test automation frameworks, tools and sub-system test-setupsusing Python,C++and Rust

Collaborate directlywith firmware,hardwareand controls engineers toidentify, diagnose, and resolve issues early in the development cycle

Analyze test results, generate reports, and provide recommendations for product improvements

Investigate real-world field issues,identifyroot causes, and work with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions

Continuously look for ways to improve the safety, performance, and customer satisfaction with Tesla products

Develop prototype test setups to integrate new subsystems with simulated or actual vehicle components,utilizingsoftware driven test automation What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date betweenMay2027-May2028

Strong fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, controls and systems engineering concepts

Hands on experience debugging complex systems involving networked microprocessors and software-controlled electrical and electromechanical sensors and actuators

Experience with test automation, object-oriented software design (Python, C++, Rust), and debugging tools

Experience with HIL/SIL environments, test benches, and simulation-based validation

Experience with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic tools

Experience analyzing and parsing data to develop technical insights

Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams

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

$50.06 - $58.89 + 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.