Internship Opportunity: Computer Science Emissions Lab Intern (2026)
Company: BMW Group (Engineering & Emission Test Center) Location: Oxnard, California, USA Internship Dates: March 9, 2026 – September 4, 2026 (Spring/Summer Rotation) Work Schedule: Full-time (36.25 hours/week) Compensation: $29.90/hour (Undergraduate) / $36.80/hour (Graduate)
Program Overview
The BMW Group is seeking a forward-thinking Computer Science Intern to join our team at the Oxnard Engineering Campus. This facility is not just a standard office; it is the BMW Group’s only Emissions Test Center in the US and its largest technical center outside of Germany.
In this role, you will move beyond basic IT support to become a key player in our Emissions Lab. As regulatory standards (like those from the EPA and CARB) become stricter, the need for precise, automated data is critical. You will work at the intersection of software engineering and automotive compliance, developing the tools that verify the environmental performance of the next generation of “Ultimate Driving Machines.”
Key Responsibilities & Projects
You will be immersed in the digital infrastructure that powers our emissions testing. Your core responsibilities will include:
1. Automation System Development
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Tool Creation: You will not just use existing software; you will help build it. You will support the further development of proprietary tools and systems used in emissions testing.
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Process Automation: Your goal is efficiency. You will design scripts and applications to automate the verification of test results, reducing manual error and speeding up the certification process for new vehicles.
2. Data Engineering & Analysis
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Data Pipeline: You will manage the entire lifecycle of test data—collecting, transferring, converting, and analyzing massive datasets generated by our dynamometers and test cells.
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Database Management: You will maintain and optimize the databases that store critical compliance data, ensuring it is retrievable and secure for government audits.
3. Lab Infrastructure Support
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System Maintenance: You will obtain broad exposure to the maintenance of various IT tools in the lab environment, ensuring that our testing hardware communicates seamlessly with our software analysis tools.
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Report Generation: You will create automated reporting dashboards that allow engineers to visualize complex emissions data instantly.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this technical role, candidates must meet the following strict requirements:
Academic Background:
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Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at an accredited college or university.
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Field of Study: Major in Computer Science or a closely related field.
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Status: Must have completed at least 60 college credit hours (Rising Junior status or higher).
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GPA: Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Technical Skills:
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Programming: Proficiency in languages such as C#, JavaScript, PHP, and Perl is essential.
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Databases: Strong knowledge of SQL and Microsoft Access.
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Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data structures and troubleshoot software issues independently.
Soft Skills:
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Self-Initiative: We look for independent thinkers. You should be able to identify a problem in the lab workflow and propose a coded solution without being asked.
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Confidentiality: Ability to manage sensitive proprietary data regarding future vehicle models.
Internship Benefits
BMW Group offers a premium internship experience with benefits that rival full-time employment:
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Compensation: Highly competitive hourly rates ($29.90 – $36.80/hour).
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Health & Wellness: Medical insurance coverage.
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Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) in addition to company-paid holidays.
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Vehicle Program: Access to the Intern Vehicle Lease Program, allowing you to drive a BMW at a heavily discounted rate.
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Work-Life Balance: A hybrid work environment (partially remote/partially on-site in Oxnard).
Educational Guide: Why Oxnard Matters
1. The “Silicon Beach” of Testing The Oxnard Engineering Campus is unique. It houses the Emissions Test Center (ETC), where every BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce sold in the US is certified. As a Computer Science intern here, you are not writing code for a website; you are writing code that interacts with physical hardware—dynos, climate chambers, and exhaust analyzers. This “Cyber-Physical” experience is highly valued by tech recruiters.
2. How to Stand Out
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Highlight “Full Stack” Skills: The job description mentions database (SQL), backend (PHP/Perl), and frontend (JS) skills. Show on your resume that you can build a tool from the database up to the user interface.
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Showcase Automation: In your cover letter, give a specific example of how you automated a boring or repetitive task in a previous project. Did you write a Python script to scrape data? Did you build a macro to format Excel sheets? This proves you have the “efficiency mindset” they need.
How to Apply
Application Status: Open (Apply Immediately) Start Date: March 9, 2026
To submit your application, please visit the official BMW Group Careers portal below.
