New

Internship, Thermal & HVAC Validation Engineer, Vehicle Firmware (Winter/Spring 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
36.06 - 56.13 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Nov 21, 2025
What to Expect 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. Internship Program at Tesla The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We provide an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team's success. About the Team As a Validation Engineer on the Thermal & HVAC firmware team, you will be responsible forensuring the accurate testing andcoveragereporting ofembedded coderunning on Tesla vehicle products.In addition, the role includes designing and maintainingembeddedhardware and software test environments that simulate real worldsystem interactionsand report automated results on a regular basis. Come join a team of deeply knowledgeable engineers that strive to build the most robust and reliable embedded systems using cutting edge software development tools and practices. What You'll Do Writing code and developing scenarios to test coverage of component requirements using hardware and software in the loop testing environments using Python Maintaining a suite of regression tests to ensure software functionality for each release of vehicle software Communicating with developers, mechanical and electrical engineers to proactively identify problems and gaps in test coverage and documentation Creating and updating tests for new features and technology Developing clear and concise test reports Maintaining automated test infrastructure What You'll Bring Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between May 2026 - May 2027 Programming language experience with Python and/or C Ability to understand, test, and troubleshoot complicated system interactions Ability to use programming languages to implement complex data structures and algorithms Strong physics, thermal, and/or mechanical understanding Experience developing tests with reusable code Hands on experience with various motor types (brushed, brushless, steppers) and sensor types (analog, digital encoders) is a plus Compensation and Benefits Benefits 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 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 Expected Compensation $36.06 - $56.13/hour + benefits 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.