Intern Automation Engineer

Job Description

About the Company

Tesla’s overarching mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. The Tesla Energy team is specifically focused on revolutionizing modern electric vehicle charging. They leverage breakthrough firmware, electronics, test, and manufacturing capabilities to develop and deploy Level 1-3 charging equipment globally. The company emphasizes collaboration, having fun, and empowering interns to contribute to critical projects, providing an experience where they can grow technically, professionally, and personally.

About the Job: Intern Automation Engineer

This is an internship position for an Automation Engineer within the Tesla Energy team, focusing on electric vehicle charging equipment (EVSEs).

Start Date and Duration:
The position is expected to start in August/September 2025 and continue through the entire Fall term (i.e., through December 2025/January 2026), with the possibility of extending into Winter/Spring 2026 if available. A minimum commitment of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, is required for most internships.

International Students:
If your work authorization is through CPT, it is crucial to consult your school regarding your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site, as many students may be limited to part-time work during the academic year.

Internship Program Philosophy:
The Internship Recruiting Team is dedicated to recognizing and developing emerging talent. Their year-round program places students in roles that foster technical, professional, and personal growth through close collaboration with a Manager, Mentor, and team. Interns are included in projects critical to their team’s success, offering a genuine experience of life at Tesla.

About the Team:
The Tesla Energy team is dedicated to revolutionizing electric vehicle charging by developing and deploying Level 1-3 charging equipment worldwide, utilizing Tesla’s advanced firmware, electronics, test, and manufacturing capabilities. They are seeking an intern passionate about automated validation of software, hardware, and mechanical designs, emphasizing a collaborative work environment.

Location:
Palo Alto, CA

Key Responsibilities (“What You’ll Do”):
• Perform automation platform design for hardware and firmware integration of next-generation Tesla EVSEs.
• Create and execute new hardware and firmware feature test plans with automation sequences and detailed post-analysis.
• Develop Python code and validate embedded firmware in C and C++.
• Identify, escalate, and resolve issues related to hardware and firmware during system bring-up, performance, and safety tests.
• Utilize dashboards and Jenkins jobs to monitor and execute automation actions within the team’s test stations, as well as to monitor the health of these stations.
• Troubleshoot failures within automated test setups and implement quick fixes.

Required Skills and Qualifications (“What You’ll Bring”):
• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Fluent in Python and experienced with Git.
• Hands-on experience with software automation related to the development of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering components, coupled with an understanding of their interaction in complex products.
• Exceptional analytical problem-solving skills, capable of identifying and addressing issues within complex hardware/software systems.
• Familiarity with the embedded microprocessor design process, including compilers and debuggers.
• Familiarity with REST API interface, Jenkins, and Docker operation.
• Experience working with databases using common tools such as SQL, InfluxDB, and Grafana.

Benefits:
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:
• Aetna PPO and HSA medical plans (2 options, $0 payroll deduction available).
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans (options with $0 payroll contribution available).
• Company-paid 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 time after 90 days of employment and Paid Holidays.
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources.
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee discounts and perks program.

Expected Compensation:
The hourly compensation range is $20.00 – $50.00, plus benefits. The actual pay offered may vary based on individualized factors such as market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include other elements dependent on the specific position offered. Detailed information regarding benefit plan participation will be provided upon receiving an offer of employment.