Internship, Electrical Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around August 2026 and continue through the Fall term (ending approximately December 2026/January 2027) or continuing into Spring 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.

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team's success.

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated electrical engineering intern to join the Energy Firmware organization's Validation Infrastructure team with a focus on automated test hardware. The primary responsibility of this team is to validate firmware requirements for all new Energy product components. As an electrical design engineer on the team, you will build custom tools and hardware to interface with our products and automate the execution of tests. You will also work closely with firmware development teams to become a product expert and ensure that our test platforms can push the products to the limit.

Location:Palo Alto, CA

What You'll Do

• Start to finish ownership of circuit boards and other electronics for low voltage test systems, including specification, design (schematics, layout, routing), prototyping, and fabrication

• Hands-on bring-up, build, and debugging of new circuit boards

• Collaborate with mechanical, firmware, software, and electrical engineers to design robust/complex systems to validate new products and components

• Review product schematics and design circuitry to emulate physical signals/behaviors

• Continually learn and incorporate EE best practices to our tools and technologies

• Integrate with validation software frameworks to deliver fully automated test systems

• Maintain test setups and ensure continuous robust operation

• Promote and protect Tesla's reputation as a cutting-edge company accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy

What You'll Bring

• Pursuing a Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics, or evidence of exceptional skills in related fields

• Strong electrical engineering fundamentals and circuit design experience

• Proficiency with basic EE tools and troubleshooting (scopes, network analyzers, etc.)

• Comfortable with common communication protocols (SPI, UART, I2C, CAN, etc.)

• Some experience with Altium or similar schematic/layout PCB design software

• Some experience with circuit simulation tools (LTspice, cadence, etc.)

• Proven record of excellence in hardware design / test infrastructure

• Ability to collaborate and communicate complex technical concepts

• Ability to work independently, efficiently, and safely

• Hands-on technical experience debugging with microprocessors and software-controlled electrical or electromechanical devices

• Experience interfacing with PC-based test systems (Python, Matlab, Labview)

• Python proficiency

• Experience with Catia, Solidworks is a plus

• General familiarity with power semiconductors and their gate drive and protection circuitry

• Embedded programming of DSPs and FPGAs in real-time control applications is highly valuable

Compensation and Benefits 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 $20.00 - $50.00/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.