Internship, Backend Software Engineer, Diagnostics (Winter/Spring 2026)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:  

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 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.

Your application for the Software Engineer, Diagnostics will be considered across the teams below located in Palo Alto, CA and Austin, TX:  

Automation: The Automated Diagnostics Team is committed to building out the capabilities for quickly and accurately diagnosing vehicle issues remotely with limited customer interaction. This team owns the entire customer experience, from the entry point in the Tesla App to providing solutions for self-service or automating service appointments technicians when a repair is necessary. 

Onboarding: The Onboard Diagnostics Team focuses on diagnostic and repair firmware that runs on the vehicle. They are responsible for accelerating the speed and reliability of vehicle side diagnostics for Tesla service centers and third parties.    

Privacy: Our team focuses on the maintenance and development of privacy systems and tools that helps Tesla vehicle owners understand the data collected by our vehicles. Our tTeam builds solutions that vehicle owners can see and interact with and empowers us to create solutions that are impactful. 

Toolbox: The Toolbox Team is responsible for developing and maintaining the primary diagnostic and repair platform used by technicians in Tesla Service Centers, independent repair shops, and even by vehicle owners at home. Our goal is to create intuitive, user-friendly tools that streamline the diagnostic and repair process, reducing the time and complexity associated with vehicle maintenance. We continuously innovate and improve Toolbox to ensure it remains a cutting-edge solution for servicing Tesla vehicles. 

What You’ll Do

• Build out and maintain highly available mission-critical applications and dashboards with appealing visual designs  

• Contribute to the full software lifecycle including design, development of backend, documentation, testing, deployment, and maintenance  

• Contribute to our goals of improving diagnostic simplicity, meeting regulatory compliance and building proactive diagnostic systems  

• Improve and maintain our web-based diagnostics platform  

• Debug issues in production, root cause and apply fixes in timely manner  

• Participate in architectural improvements to support our growing user base  

• Improve application security  

• Improve reliability, scalability and performance of Tesla’s diagnostic platform  

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field with a graduation date between May 2026 – December 2027 

• Demonstrated ability with SQL and comprehension of complex relational database schemas  

• Experience with backend languages, libraries, and frameworks (e.g. Python, Golang, Django, Flask)  

• Previous experience with Rest APIs and building them from scratch  

• Attention to Detail  

• Proven ability to work across the stack in a fast-paced environment  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required  

• Ability to work well with others in a collaborative team environment  

• A passion for sustainable energy 

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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

• Employee Assistance Program

• Sick time after 90 days of employment 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

$36.09 - $56.13 + 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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.