Internship, Software Validation Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Winter/Spring 2026)
About this internship
Tesla is hiring a Software Validation Engineer intern focused on vehicle firmware for Winter/Spring 2026 in Palo Alto, CA (on site). This role is suited for students pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with graduation between April 2026 and May 2027. Pay is listed at $36.06–$56.13 per hour, and the work involves validating and debugging complex systems that combine networked microprocessors with software-controlled electrical or electromechanical devices.
Qualifications
Required
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between April 2026 – May 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
Nice to have
- Comfort applying physics fundamentals and first-principles thinking to troubleshoot system behavior.
- Prior exposure to validating embedded or firmware-driven features in a lab or project setting.
- Experience isolating issues across hardware/software boundaries in networked microprocessor systems.
- Strong attention to detail when reproducing problems and documenting findings for others to act on.
- Ability to collaborate in an on-site environment and communicate technical debugging progress clearly.
How to stand out (TUN tip)
Before applying, update your resume with 1–2 specific examples where you debugged a networked microprocessor or software-controlled electrical/electromechanical device and explain the outcome. In your application, clearly note your expected graduation date (April 2026–May 2027) and that you can work on site in Palo Alto for Winter/Spring 2026.