Internship, Backend Software Engineer, Diagnostics (Winter/Spring 2026)
About this internship
Tesla is hiring a Backend Software Engineer Intern focused on Diagnostics for Winter/Spring 2026 in Palo Alto, CA (on-site). In this role, you’ll likely support backend services and data workflows that rely on SQL and complex relational database schemas. Pay is listed at $36.09 $56.13 per hour, and candidates should be pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field with graduation between May 2026 and December 2027.
Qualifications
Required
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field with a graduation date between May 2026 – December 2027
- Demonstrated ability with SQL and comprehension of complex relational database schemas
- Experience with backend languages, libraries, and frameworks (e.g. Python, Golang, Django, Flask)
Nice to have
- Hands-on experience writing and optimizing SQL queries, including joins across multi-table relational schemas.
- Comfort building or contributing to backend services in Python or Golang using common frameworks such as Django or Flask.
- Ability to read and communicate database schema designs clearly (tables, relationships, and constraints) to troubleshoot issues.
- Experience working on on-site engineering projects where you collaborate closely with others to debug and iterate quickly.
- Familiarity with organizing backend code using libraries and frameworks to keep services maintainable as complexity grows.
How to stand out (TUN tip)
Before you apply, prepare a short example you can discuss that shows you navigating a complex relational schema (what the tables were, how you joined them, and what you learned). Tailor your resume bullets to highlight SQL work and backend projects in Python or Golang, and note your graduation window (May 2026 December 2027) and availability for an on-site role in Palo Alto.