About the role#
Tesla is looking for a Red Team Security Engineer intern to join the Vehicle Software department. This role focuses on testing the security of connected car systems, network infrastructure, and embedded devices. You will actively attack Tesla products and services to help identify and fix vulnerabilities.
What you'll do#
- Break systems and help the team implement fixes.
- Conduct penetration tests against Tesla networks and services.
- Perform security assessments on third-party software and services.
- Audit source code for security vulnerabilities.
- Collaborate with engineers to develop secure services.
- Build and implement automated systems to detect known security exposures.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Computer Science or related degree program with a graduation date between 2026 and 2027.
- Strong experience in penetration testing and auditing code or features.
- Knowledge of secure architecture design.
- Understanding of common web vulnerabilities like SQLi, XSS, and CSRF, along with exploit development skills.
- Technical experience in one or more of the following: C, C++, PHP, Go, x86, ARM, CAN, cryptography, reverse engineering, or wireless networks.
- Participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) events is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Winter 2027 (starting January or February 2027).
- Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week) and on-site for a minimum of 12 weeks.
- Compensation: $48.00 - $53.00 per hour plus benefits.
About Tesla
Tesla produces electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, the company operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and employs over 10,000 people. The organization designs, manufactures, sells, and services its products internally.
How to get in at Tesla
Applying early at Tesla provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates.



