Internship, Software Engineer, Service Engineering (Winter/Spring 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 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

Service Engineering, part of Vehicle Software Engineering, is responsible for real-time diagnostic support for the service network (the field), development and improvement of diagnostic tools and procedures, and feedback of top field issues to our development teams to improve current and future products. Tesla is seeking an intern that is passionate about the product, a strong critical thinker, and capable of understanding technical system-level architecture and issues.

• Develop a deep understanding of vehicle function, diagnostic, and repair processes to create a validation framework for them
• Assemble hardware test fixtures and design automation to run on them
• Design comprehensive test plans to support the launch of new features
• Define metrics and create reporting to monitor the performance of our service tools
• Work cross-functionally to investigate and fix issues that you identify

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a graduation date between May 2026 - December 2027
• Able to work on site in Palo Alto, CA
• Software development experience
• Experience in software testing and automation scripting
• Strong proficiency with Python, a plus with any of the following: JavaScript, C++, Rust, Go
• Comfortable with Linux environments and system administration
• Hands on experience with vehicles or other hardware projects; prior experience in Formula SAE or experience working on personal cars is a plus
• Excellent critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills
• A passion for troubleshooting failures, improving code quality, and optimizing system efficiency,monitoring and observability

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

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.