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Tesla • Palo Alto, California, United States
Salary: $46 - $58 / hour
Role & seniority: Software/Validation Internship (undergraduate to be enrolled; term May–Aug 2026; 12 weeks minimum)
Stack/tools: Python, C/C++, Golang, or Java; Linux/Unix; CI/CD; large-scale data processing; automation, simulation, and fleet data tooling; dashboards/visualization
Perform validation reviews and risk assessments for Maps & Navigation features before fleet release
Write and ship software to the vehicle; build backend automation to generate/analyze fleet data
Define evaluation metrics, create visualizations/dashboards, and support monitoring/refinement of navigation systems
Develop internal tools to accelerate experimentation and debugging; orchestrate tests/simulations across distributed compute; cross-functional issue investigation
Pursuing CS or related field; expected graduation 2026–2027
Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Golang, or Java
Experience with Linux/Unix, CI/CD, and large-scale data processing
Strong problem-solving, communication, and root-cause analysis abilities
Passion for code quality, system efficiency, observability, and troubleshooting
Experience with vehicle/navigation telemetry, data visualization, or dashboard tooling
Experience building automation or validation pipelines; distributed computing experience
Location & work type: On-site internship; full-time (40 hours/week); on-site work requirement; May–Aug 2026; duration ~12 week
What To Expect
This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 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 to Expect
Tesla rapidly ships software updates over the air to millions of vehicles on the road around the globe. As a member of the Maps and Navigation Validation team, you'll be responsible for ensuring that improvements and new features for our vehicles are thoroughly vetted, building confidence and assessing risks before signing off on each software release.
Join a team of top-notch Software Engineers and Test Engineers committed to continuously improving our vehicles' features and to holding the highest bar for the performance and reliability of our software systems. You will build automation & simulation tools and fleet telemetry pipelines to perform data-based assessments of the quality of our routes, turn-by-turn guidance, and map & traffic data across markets worldwide. You will collaborate across teams to ensure Tesla's navigation systems integrate seamlessly with our vehicles' maps UI, self-driving capabilities, and the supercharging network. The ideal candidate is a self-driven and hands-on problem solver, interested in utilizing a range of technologies and strategies to validate and ship features.
What You'll Do
Become an expert on subsystems within the Maps and Navigation stack to perform validation reviews and risk assessments before releasing software to the fleet Write and ship software to the vehicle and build automated systems in the backend to generate and analyze fleet data from the millions of Tesla vehicles worldwide Define evaluation metrics, create visualizations and dashboards to support the monitoring and refinement of our navigation systems Implement and improve internal tools to accelerate experimentation and debugging of features Orchestrate and optimize tests, simulations, and analyses across distributed compute Work cross-functionally to investigate and fix issues that you identify
What You'll Bring
Currently pursuing a Degree in Computer Science or a related field with a gradation date between 2026 - 2027
Strong proficiency with one of the following: Python, C/C++, Golang, or Java Experience with Linux/Unix environments and system administration Experience with CI/CD systems Experience with large scale data processing and querying Excellent critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills A passion for troubleshooting issues to determine root causes A passion for constantly improving code quality and system efficiency, testability, monitoring, & observability
Benefits Compensation and Benefits
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
$46.00 - $58.00/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.
, Tesla