Internship, Software Validation Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Winter/Spring 2027)

Notre Dame; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision plans

HSA contributions

401(k) & ESPP

Life insurance

Job summary

Tesla Internship in Palo Alto is seeking a student for hands-on system-level validation and test automation development. You will design validation plans and integrate Python, C++, and Rust-based tools across firmware, hardware, and controls teams.

You will analyze results, report findings, and help implement corrective actions for real-world field issues, contributing to safety, performance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in degree program (CS/Mechatronics/CE/EE)
• Graduating May 2027–May 2028
• Strong fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, controls, and systems engineering
• Hands-on experience debugging complex networked systems
• Experience with test automation, Python/C++/Rust, and debugging tools
• Familiarity with CAN, LIN, Ethernet and diagnostic tools

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute system-level validation plans for existing and new products
• Design and integrate test automation frameworks and sub-system test setups using Python, C++, and Rust
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and controls engineers to diagnose and resolve issues early
• Analyze test results, generate reports, and recommend product improvements
• Investigate field issues and implement corrective actions with cross-functional teams
• Develop prototype test setups to integrate subsystems with vehicle components using software-driven test automation

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Test automation

Debugging tools

Data analysis

Vehicle protocols

Education

CS/Mechatronics/CE/EE degree candidate

Tools

CAN

LIN

Ethernet

HIL/SIL

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Develop and execute comprehensive system-level validation plans for improving existing products and launching new products
• Specify, design, develop, and integrate test automation frameworks, tools, and sub-system test setups using Python, C++, and Rust
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and controls engineers to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues early in development
• 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 seek ways to improve safety, performance, and customer satisfaction with Tesla products
• Develop prototype test setups to integrate new subsystems with simulated or actual vehicle components using software-driven test automation

About You

The company is looking for candidates who have:

• Current enrollment in a degree program in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, graduating between May 2027 and May 2028
• 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
• Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic tools
• Ability to analyze and parse data to develop technical insights
• Capability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams

Compensation & Benefits

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

• Medical plans with options including $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, some with $0 payroll contribution
• Company-paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions 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, paid holidays, and flex time for salaried positions
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Expected compensation ranges from $50.06 to $58.89 per hour plus benefits. Pay may vary based on location, knowledge, skills, and experience.