New

Internship, Software Validation Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Summer 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
36.06 - 56.13 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Dec 04, 2025
What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start around May 2026 and continue through the Summer term (ending approximately Septmeber 2026) or continuing into Fall 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. 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 provide 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 Systems Validation teamis responsible for validatingall software driven, system level, vehicle requirements prior to any new hardware or 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. Interns willdirectlyimpact thecontinuous development of softwarefor existingand new vehicle programs bycontributing to thevalidationstrategyand buildingnewautomatedtestinfrastructure. What You'll Do Develop and execute comprehensive system-level validation plans for 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-setups using Python, C++ and Rust Collaborate directly with firmware, hardware and controls engineers to identify, 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, identify root 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 Learn, set, teach and apply software best practices, tools and technologies 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 between September 2026 - September 2027 Understanding of physics fundamentals and first principles concepts Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems involving networked microprocessors and software-controlled electrical or electromechanical devices Experience with Python or other scripting languages and/or C/C++ for embedded systems Ability to use oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other electrical test instruments to support troubleshooting Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams 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 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 $36.06 - $56.13/hour + 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.