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Internship Software Engineering Jobs in California

Software Engineering Internship at Pyka Pyka's goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation. To get there, w ...

Expect an internship that resembles a job you would have after graduating. Responsibilities * Build ... Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. * Hands-on experience ...

Expect an internship that resembles a job you would have after graduating. Responsibilities * Build ... Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. * Hands-on experience ...

It will be an in-person, hybrid internship based in Santa Cruz, CA. Responsibilities Joby Aviation ... Software Automation (Python) * Aircraft Cybersecurity * FPGA Verification (UVM) During this ...

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✨ A note before you apply We're hiring Software Engineering Interns! This is a full-time 12 month internship where you'll work closely with our Engineering, Product, and Design teams to build real ...

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Internship Software Engineering information

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$13

$25

$38

How much do internship software engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship software engineering in California is $25.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and coursework or experience in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with coding languages like Python, Java, or C++, and experience using version control systems such as Git are typically expected. Strong communication, a willingness to learn, and teamwork skills help you adapt to new environments and collaborate effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for quickly contributing to projects, learning from mentors, and succeeding in a dynamic tech setting.

What is the difference between Internship Software Engineering vs Software Developer?

AspectInternship Software EngineeringSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science or related fieldOften holds a degree or equivalent experience in software development
Work EnvironmentTemporary, learning-focused, often part-time or summer rolesFull-time, ongoing employment in software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by tech companies, startups, and educational institutions for trainingUsed across industries for building and maintaining software products
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry points and learning opportunities in software engineeringSeeking career progression or job opportunities in software development

Internship Software Engineering positions are designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience, often with a focus on learning and skill development. Software Developers are full-time professionals responsible for creating, testing, and maintaining software applications. The internship is temporary and educational, while the developer role is a long-term career position.

What types of projects do Software Engineering Interns typically work on, and how much ownership do they have over their tasks?

Software Engineering Interns often contribute to real-world projects that align with the team's current goals, such as building new features, fixing bugs, or improving existing systems. Interns are usually given a defined scope of work and are encouraged to take ownership of their assigned tasks, while still receiving guidance and mentorship from full-time engineers. This balance provides valuable hands-on experience, exposure to industry-standard tools and workflows, and an opportunity to make meaningful contributions while learning in a supportive environment.

What are internship software engineers?

Internship software engineers are students or recent graduates who work temporarily at a company to gain practical experience in software engineering. They assist with coding, debugging, testing, and collaborating with professional engineers on real-world projects. These internships help participants develop technical skills, understand workplace dynamics, and build their professional network, often serving as a pathway to full-time employment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Engineering jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Software Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Software Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Internship Software Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Internship Software Engineering job openings:
Internship, Software Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

Internship, Software Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 662 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers


Job description

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start August 2026 and continue through the entire Fall 2026 term (through December 2026). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks at 40 hours per week, for this internship.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. Again, please do not apply until you know you can work 40 hours per week. This is required for external applicants. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

Internship Program at Tesla

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

Multiple Locations Possible:Palo Alto, CA;Fremont, CA

What You'll Do

Automation Engineering:

  • Tesla Energy is looking for an intern who is passionate about integration of software, hardware, and mechanical design to drive the world's transition to a sustainable future. The ideal candidate is fluent with Python, embedded microprocessor design process: compliers, debuggers, and Git. They have experience working with database with common tools (SQL, InflexDB, Grafana) and they have experience working with high power (50kW+) and/or high voltage (1kDVC, 480VAC products

AC Charging:

  • AC Charging at Tesla is working on making our chargers much smarter. We will develop products which cover Tesla and non-Tesla charging more seamlessly, offer infrastructure supporting paid charing, allow "Plug and Charge" will scale from installations of single units to commerical sites with thousands of units. The ideal candidate has experience with nternet protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, TLS, HTTP, WebSockets), RTOS or Linux-based IoT environments (e.g., FreeRTOS, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Android), Embedded protocols (e.g., CAN, RS-485/UART, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, BLE), and/or application and systems languages (e.g., C, C++, Rust, etc.)

Embedded Software Engineering:

  • The Advanced Technologies and Projects team is looking for an intern to help drive innovation across software/firmware disciplines. Deliver high quality software/firmware for mass scale energy systems with embedded controleers/Linus platforms. The ideal candidate has knowledge of C, C++, or Python languages, good understanding of Embedded Systems and OS concepts (Linux/ ROTS), and/or high level understanding of networking concepts (Ethernet, TCP/IP, etc.)
Megapack Applications Engineering:
  • The Tesla Energy Projects team is responsible for the successful deployment and management of Tesla's cuttingedge Energy Systems; Powerwall, Powerpack, Megapack, Solar, Solar Roof, Supercharger. The ideal candidate has high proficiency in at least 1 programming language (Ideally Python or Golang) and/or the ability to troubleshoot connectivity issues in TCP/IP network
Power Systems Testing:
  • As an intern in this position, you will have an opportunity to work with a real time controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) supporting project specific testing and power system model validation/benchmarking. The ideal candidate is familiar with major programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Rust, or Java, and strong scripting skills
Mobile Application Software:
  • The Tesla Energy Mobile App team builds the core app experience for Solar, Powerwall and Charge Stats, with the goal of making sustainable energy friendly, understandable, and powerful. We build our app using React Native with TypeScript. The ideal candidate is fluent in a mobile app or reactive web framework required, with preference for React Native and TypeScript
Charging Distributed Systems Software Engineering:
  • Tesla is looking for software engineering interns to build the cloud services that power these products, driving the worldwide transition to sustainable energy. These platforms provide real-time monitoring, optimization, and control of distributed, renewalbe-energy assets, inclduing generation, storage, grid services, and electric vehicle charging. The ideal candidate is fluent in full stack web languages and tools. JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js, and React preferred and GraphQL is a plus. They are also capable of delivering top quality C/ C++ code for embedded systems

Software Engineering:

  • Tesla Energy is looking for a Software Engineer Intern to help contribute to next generation designs and supporting validation infrastructure. This role entails contributing to validation software and product firmware, all the way from implementation through validation and fleet deployment. The ideal candidate is fluent in full stack web languages and tools. JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js, and React preferred and GraphQL is a plus. They are also capable of delivering top quality C/ C++ code for embedded systems
Software Integration Engineering:
  • As a member of the Firmware Integration team, you will be responsible for delivering high quality firmware and hardware to the manufacturing line. You will architect the software solutions for manufacturing quality Energy prodcuts (e.g. Powerwall, Megapack) in our factories. Rethink manufacturing processes and test equipment dependency with our in-house product and design teams. The ideal candidate must be comfortable with hands-on lab work (including the use of scopes/logic analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, CAN tools, soldering irons as needed to support integration). They are capable of delivering high quality C, Python or Golang software solutions. They also have have experience with JSON, Protobuf, REST, HTTP/S, Ethernet, CAN and experience working with high power (50kW+) and/or high voltage (1kVDC, 480VAC) products
Software Tools and Infrastructure:
  • In this role, you will be responsible for delivering robust, modular, and easy to use software tools that enable rapid firmware development and deployment of test systems. You will work directly with development teams across the organization to ensure that our new products are best in class. The ideal candidate is fluent in at least one language (C or Python preferred, others acceptable), has GUI development experience (either web-based or standalone or e.g. Dash or pyqt), has experience with web technologies and web frameworks (React/Node/Dash/PHP/CSS, etc.), and/or has experience with databases (e.g. one of MySQL/Postgres/NoSQL)

What You'll Bring
  • Currently pursuing a Degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

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 - $60.00/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.


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