Internship, Offensive Security Engineer, Information Security (Fall 2026)
Tesla · Austin, TX
- On site
- Internship
- $50,000 / year
- Austin, TX
Job highlights
- Conduct simulated attacks on web and mobile applications.
- Identify vulnerabilities and recommend robust defenses.
- Perform penetration testing and code reviews.
- Develop custom tools for exploit automation.
- Collaborate with development teams to remediate issues.
About the role
Internship Offensive Security Engineer, Information Security
About The Team
We are looking for an enthusiastic Offensive Application Security Intern to join our team, where you'll conduct simulated attacks on web and mobile applications to identify vulnerabilities, exploit weaknesses, and recommend robust defenses. Responsibilities include performing penetration testing, code reviews, and threat modeling; developing custom tools and scripts for exploit automation; collaborating with development teams to remediate issues; and staying abreast of emerging threats like OWASP Top 10 risks. The ideal candidate loves to play CTFs, possesses strong programming skills in languages like Python or JavaScript, and has interest in ethical hacking, with a passion for proactive security in fast-paced environments.
What You'll Do
- Hands-on penetration testing and simulated attacks on web, mobile, and API apps in a collaborative, fast-paced setting
- Regular code reviews and threat modeling with dev and DevOps teams to embed security in the SDLC
- Building and maintaining custom exploit tools/scripts in Python, Bash, or JavaScript for automated testing
- Researching emerging threats via conferences, CTF challenges, and bug bounty programs
- Blend of solo and team projects, including shaping security policies
What You'll Bring
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field of study with a graduation date between 2027-2028
- Experience with secure architecture design
- Participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) events is ideal
- Security experience in one or more of: C, C++, PHP, Go, x86, ARM, CAN, cryptography, reverse engineering, wireless networks
- Strong understanding of common web vulnerabilities with SQLi, XSS, CSRF and exploit development
- Strong penetration testing experience
- Experience auditing code and features
Internship Program Details
- This position is expected to start around August or September 2026 and continue through the Fall/Winter term (ending approximately Dec 2026) or continuing into Winter 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so.
- We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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.
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
Key skills/competency
- Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Web Application Security
- Mobile Application Security
- Code Review
- Threat Modeling
- Exploit Development
- Python
- JavaScript
- Ethical Hacking
Skills & topics
- Internship
- Offensive Security
- Penetration Testing
- Information Security
- Cybersecurity
- Web Application Security
- Mobile Security
- Exploit Development
- CTF
- Python
- JavaScript
- Computer Science
How to get hired
- Research Tesla's mission: Understand Tesla's impact in the automotive and energy sectors.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight CTF experience and programming skills in Python or JavaScript.
- Showcase security knowledge: Emphasize experience with web vulnerabilities like SQLi, XSS, CSRF.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss penetration testing scenarios and exploit development.
- Demonstrate passion: Express your enthusiasm for ethical hacking and proactive security.
Technical preparation
Practice CTF challenges regularly.,Build custom scripts for security testing.,Study common web vulnerabilities.,Review secure coding practices.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging security problem you solved.,How do you stay updated on new threats?,How would you collaborate with developers on security issues?,What motivates your interest in ethical hacking?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the start date for the Offensive Security Engineer Internship at Tesla?
- The Offensive Security Engineer Internship at Tesla is expected to start around August or September 2026.
- What is the duration of the Offensive Security Engineer Internship at Tesla?
- The internship is for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, typically concluding around December 2026, with a possibility to extend into Winter 2027.
- Am I eligible for the Offensive Security Engineer Internship if I am graduating soon?
- This internship is for students actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates should apply for full-time positions.
- What technical skills are most important for the Offensive Security Engineer Intern role at Tesla?
- Key skills include penetration testing, code review, exploit development, and strong programming in Python or JavaScript, with knowledge of common web vulnerabilities.
- Does Tesla offer CPT for international students in this internship?
- International students on CPT must consult their school regarding the ability to work 40 hours per week on-site. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site.
- What academic background is required for the Offensive Security Engineer Intern position at Tesla?
- Candidates must be pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a graduation date between 2027-2028.
- What kind of security experience does Tesla look for in an Offensive Security Engineer Intern?
- Experience in areas such as C, C++, PHP, Go, x86, ARM, CAN, cryptography, reverse engineering, or wireless networks is highly valued, along with understanding of common web vulnerabilities.
- Is this an on-site or remote internship at Tesla?
- This is a full-time, on-site internship position.