Overview

This internship sits on Tesla’s Self-Driving testing team and focuses on proving out Full Self-Driving (FSD) performance in real-world conditions, including difficult and unusual scenarios. The work supports safety validation, performance improvements, and faster product iteration as Robotaxi production approaches.

Internship timing and availability

The role is planned to begin in August or September 2026 and is expected to run through the fall term, ending around December 2026. If business needs and availability allow, it may continue into Winter/Spring 2027. Tesla asks for a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, full-time at 40 hours per week, on site.

This internship is intended for students currently enrolled in an academic program. Candidates who have already graduated and are not returning to school should pursue a full-time opening instead.

For students using CPT, the company asks that you confirm with your school that you are permitted to work 40 hours per week before applying. On-site full-time availability is required, and many students may be limited to part-time work during the academic year.

What you will do

• Build and refine new test approaches for evaluating Full Self-Driving capability.
• Run controlled vehicle tests at proving grounds using precision instruments, robotic systems, and other testing equipment.
• Create test fixtures and software tools that improve data capture, analysis, and reporting efficiency.
• Use internal simulation systems to broaden the amount of test coverage.
• Investigate problems uncovered during testing, working closely with Tesla AI and Vehicle Firmware developers to define pass/fail criteria, apply fixes, and confirm software updates.
• Keep test vehicles operational, handle logistics, carry out repairs and retrofits, and assist with additional vehicle testing when needed.
• Travel to different locations for proving-ground vehicle testing when required.

What you should bring

• You should be currently studying Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a graduation date between December 2026 and December 2027.
• Strong Python programming ability is required.
• Hands-on experience building tools with microcontrollers.
• Background in software and hardware troubleshooting, ADAS testing, vehicle road testing, and/or development work on DAS systems.
• Experience with data logging and analysis using data acquisition systems, CAN hardware, or similar equipment.
• Strong accuracy, sharp observation skills, and the ability to stay organized in a very fast-moving environment while balancing multiple priorities.
• Ability to understand regulations and test procedures while collaborating with different teams and external parties.
• Motorsports experience or driving-related hobbies are considered an advantage.
• A valid driver’s license is mandatory.
• This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to drug testing under Tesla policy and applicable law.

Compensation and benefits

The expected annual salary for this internship is $68,000 to $96,000, plus benefits.

Benefits available to full-time Tesla interns include medical coverage with $0 payroll deduction options, family-building and fertility support, adoption and surrogacy benefits, dental and vision plans with $0 payroll contribution options, HSA contributions when enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan, FSA accounts, 401(k), employee stock purchase plans, basic life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, an employee assistance program, sick and vacation time, paid holidays, back-up childcare and parenting support, voluntary insurance and legal/perk options, commuter benefits, and employee discounts/perks.

Benefit details can vary and will be shared with the selected candidate in the offer process.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve test strategies for Full Self-Driving evaluation.
• Carry out controlled on-track and proving-ground vehicle tests using precision measurement tools, robotic test setups, and related equipment.
• Develop fixtures and internal tooling for collecting, processing, and reporting test data.
• Apply simulation tools to increase the breadth of test scenarios covered.
• Review test findings with Tesla AI and Vehicle Firmware teams, define acceptance criteria, support fixes, and confirm updates.
• Maintain test vehicles, manage logistics, complete repairs and retrofits, and assist with broader testing work.
• Travel to test sites for proving-ground vehicle evaluations as needed.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar degree program, with expected graduation between December 2026 and December 2027.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience developing tools with microcontrollers.
• Exposure to software and hardware troubleshooting, ADAS testing, vehicle road testing, or DAS system development.
• Experience handling data logging and analysis through data acquisition systems, CAN hardware, or similar tools.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong observational ability.
• Ability to thrive in a very fast-paced setting and juggle multiple priorities.
• Comfort interpreting regulations and test procedures and communicating clearly with internal teams and third parties.
• Motorsports experience or enthusiasm for driving is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to undergo drug testing for a safety-sensitive role, in line with company policy and law.

Perks & benefits

• Medical plan options with no payroll deduction.
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
• Dental and vision coverage, both with a zero-contribution option.
• HSA contribution when enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan.
• Healthcare and dependent-care FSA accounts.
• 401(k) and employee stock purchase plan access.
• Company-paid basic life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sick time, vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Back-up childcare and parenting support.
• Voluntary critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, theft and legal services, and pet insurance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee discounts and perk programs.