Internship, Validation Engineer, Crash Safety (Fall 2026)

Description:
Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through fall term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. 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 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 are dedicated to providing 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
The Crash Safety Software team is looking for a software engineering intern to develop simulation and test infrastructure critical to releasing safety critical software with high confidence. This role will involve using core software tooling expertise to validate embedded controllers in a virtual simulation environment through Tesla’s state-of-the-art Software in the Loop (SIL) infrastructure, along with testing physical ECU hardware through Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testers.
The Crash Safety Firmware team develops and integrates airbag controller functionality that makes Tesla’s vehicles the safest on the road. Join the growing team to tackle our mission to improve real-world crash safety through smart engineering and ambitious innovation using insights gathered from our global connected vehicle fleet as well as our state-of-the-art crash lab. You will solve some of the most ambiguous and challenging problems in the industry while working alongside deeply knowledgeable engineers from different disciplines, in a fast-paced environment, using cutting-edge software development tools and practices.

Responsibilities:
Develop firmware simulation tooling in a Software in the Loop environment
Design and develop tooling for Hardware in the Loop testers
Create automated validation infrastructure to enable reliable, efficient, thorough, accurate, and repeatable tests
Develop and execute automated regression test suites for safety critical crash safety firmware
Continuously analyze and improve regression test suite coverage

Requirements:
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between December 2026 – December 2027
Proficiency in Python
Familiarity with C
Knowledge and experience with automation and build tools (Jenkins, Docker, SCons)
Experience with Rust is a plus
An understanding of analog and digital circuits
Knowledge of version control (Git) and continuous integration
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with the team
Experience with FPGAs is a plus

Compensation & Benefits:
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

Expected Compensation
$42.07 - $58.89 + 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.