Service Engineering Intern – Vehicle Diagnostics Software

Job Description

Internship, Software Engineer, Service Engineering (Fall 2026) | Tesla

The Tone:
This is a full-time, onsite internship at Tesla. Tesla builds electric vehicles, energy generation, and storage products that are transforming the global energy landscape. This role is crucial within the Service Engineering team, providing real-time diagnostic support, developing essential diagnostic tools, and channeling field feedback to continually improve current and future products. Interns joining this team will play a part in enhancing the reliability and user experience of Tesla’s offerings.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Palo Alto, CA
• Pay: $50.48–$58.89 hourly
• Team: Service Engineering, with teams including Automated Diagnostics, Onboard Diagnostics, and Toolbox.
• Mission: Provide real-time diagnostic support, develop and improve diagnostic tools, and integrate field feedback to enhance Tesla’s products.
• Tech Stack: Python, JavaScript, Linux environments; C++, Rust, Go are a plus.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Develop: Build remote diagnostic capabilities for Tesla vehicles to enhance customer interaction and automate service appointments.
• Accelerate: Improve the speed and reliability of vehicle-side diagnostic and repair firmware for service centers and third parties.
• Maintain: Develop and maintain the primary diagnostic and repair platform used by technicians in service centers and by vehicle owners.
• Streamline: Create intuitive, user-friendly tools that reduce the time and complexity associated with vehicle maintenance and repair processes.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with a graduation date between December 2026 – December 2027.
• Experience: Prior experience in software development, including software testing and automation scripting.
• Skills: Strong proficiency with Python and JavaScript; comfortable with Linux environments and system administration; excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Bonus: Familiarity with C++, Rust, or Go; hands-on experience with vehicles or other hardware projects, such as Formula SAE or working on personal cars; a passion for troubleshooting failures, improving code quality, and optimizing system efficiency.