Internship, Software QA Engineer, Vehicle Software (Winter/Spring 2027)

About the role

Internship, Software QA Engineer, Vehicle Software (Winter/Spring 2027) | Tesla (Vehicle Software)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 281098 | Job Type: Intern/Apprentice

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, Full - Time (40 hours/week) 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 Programs at Tesla

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions that they will grow both technically and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows for the intern to experience life at Tesla by giving them ownership over projects that are critical to their team’s success.

What You'll Do

• Develop detailed test plans to validate Tesla’s User Interface software and enhance vehicle testing strategies
• Design and implement test scripts to automate User Interface workflows
• Build frameworks to optimize automation pipelines and integrate results into daily/weekly reporting
• Validate vehicle functionality and ensure seamless integration of software updates
• Investigate field-reported issues, collaborate with internal Software QA Engineers, and perform root-cause analysis
• Execute functional and regression testing for release validation and triage results

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a Degree in Computer Science or a related field with a gradation date between 2027 - 2028
• Experience in software testing, automation scripting (Python, C++, or similar), and test framework design preferred
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) preferred
• Passion for problem-solving, electric vehicles, and delivering exceptional user experiences

Benefits

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

• Medical plans > 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 (90 day waiting period)
• 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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$42.00 - $58.00 + benefitsPay 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.