Internship, Software Engineering, People Systems (Fall 2026)
Tesla · Palo Alto, CA
- On site
- Internship
- $43,000 / year
- Palo Alto, CA
Job highlights
- Contribute to full-stack applications for People Systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to improve internal processes.
- Design, code, and maintain full-stack experiences end-to-end.
- Optimize code for performance and maintainability.
- Requires a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience.
About the role
Software Engineering Intern - People Systems
This position is expected to begin around August/September 2026 and continue through mid-December. Internships at Tesla are generally full-time, onsite roles that last a minimum of 12 weeks.
International Students: If your work authorization is via CPT, consult your school regarding your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week onsite. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.
About the role:
We’re hiring a driven Software Engineering Intern to contribute end-to-end to full-stack applications for the People Systems organization. This role would collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, improving functionality through ongoing user testing and development. The ideal candidate will possess the curiosity to solve difficult problems and the talent to bring solutions to reality. As a key member of our team, this person will take ownership of the designing and delivery of new features, enhancing existing functionality, writing reliable code, and expanding architecture as needed.
What You'll Do
- Collaborate closely with stakeholders to transform ambiguous problem statements into clear objectives, developing applications to drive improvements for internal processes
- Design, code, deliver, and maintain full-stack experiences end-to-end
- Optimize code for performance, stability, and maintainability
What You'll Bring
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Available for a 12+ week period over the fall and able to work onsite full-time
- Experience with a backend language; experience with Python or GoLang is preferred
- Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript/React or other frontend frameworks
- Excellent grasp of fundamental computer science concepts; proven ability to analyze and solve complex technical problems
- Experience using common design patterns; high standards for code quality, maintainability, and performance
- Experience creating, maintaining, and shipping full-stack applications is preferred
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
$34.00 - $52.00/hour + benefits
Pay 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.
Key skills/competency
- Software Engineering
- Full-stack development
- Backend development
- Frontend development
- Python
- GoLang
- JavaScript
- React
- Computer Science Fundamentals
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- Software Engineering Intern
- Full-Stack Development
- Backend Development
- Frontend Development
- Python
- GoLang
- JavaScript
- React
- Computer Science
- Internship
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your computer science fundamentals, backend/frontend experience, and any full-stack projects. Emphasize Python, GoLang, JavaScript, or React skills.
- Showcase problem-solving: Prepare examples of how you've analyzed and solved complex technical problems.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you've worked with stakeholders to achieve project goals.
- Understand Tesla's mission: Research Tesla's impact on the People Systems domain and articulate your alignment during the interview.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss design patterns, code quality, and performance optimization.
Technical preparation
Practice Python or GoLang backend development.,Build projects using JavaScript/TypeScript and React.,Solidify your understanding of CS fundamentals.,Prepare to discuss design patterns and code quality.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex technical problem you solved.,How do you collaborate with stakeholders?,Tell me about a time you improved a process.,How do you ensure code quality and maintainability?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the required qualifications for the Software Engineering Intern position at Tesla?
- To be considered for the Software Engineering Intern role at Tesla, you should be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. You'll also need availability for a 12+ week period in the fall, the ability to work full-time onsite, and experience with a backend language (Python or GoLang preferred), JavaScript/TypeScript/React or other frontend frameworks, and a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals.
- Can international students apply for the Software Engineering Intern role at Tesla?
- Yes, international students can apply for the Software Engineering Intern position. However, if your work authorization is via CPT, you must confirm with your school your ability to work 40 hours per week onsite, as this role requires full-time onsite work. Many students may be limited to part-time during the academic year, which would not meet the role's requirements.
- What is the expected duration and work arrangement for the Software Engineering Intern position at Tesla?
- The Software Engineering Intern position at Tesla is expected to begin around August/September 2026 and conclude by mid-December. Internships at Tesla are typically full-time, onsite roles lasting a minimum of 12 weeks.
- What kind of projects will a Software Engineering Intern work on at Tesla?
- As a Software Engineering Intern in the People Systems organization at Tesla, you will contribute end-to-end to full-stack applications. This involves collaborating with stakeholders to improve internal processes, designing, coding, and maintaining full-stack experiences, and optimizing code for performance and maintainability.
- What programming languages or frameworks are preferred for the Software Engineering Intern role at Tesla?
- While experience with any backend language is valuable, Tesla prefers candidates with experience in Python or GoLang for the Software Engineering Intern role. On the frontend, experience with JavaScript/TypeScript/React or other frontend frameworks is also highly desired.
- What is the expected compensation for the Software Engineering Intern position at Tesla?
- The expected compensation for the Software Engineering Intern position at Tesla ranges from $34.00 to $52.00 per hour, plus benefits. The final pay may vary based on factors such as market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.