Cell Abuse Testing Engineer Internship, Powertrain Engineering Europe (m/w/d)

What to Expect

The Abuse Test team is seeking a highly motivated intern to support validation and testing of next-generation cells and batteries. You will focus on hands-on cell abuse testing and design of test equipment. You will work closely with senior engineers to execute complex abuse tests, build fixtures, and analyze data in a fast-paced environment. At Tesla, scope and complexity of your assignments are limited by your aptitude, not seniority or title.

What You’ll Do

• Gain experience in cross-disciplinary teams by applying first-principles thinking to analyze heat and mass transfer in cell abuse testing, and use this knowledge to design, set up, and improve test equipment
• Support the execution of cell abuse tests using specialized equipment, test chambers, and data loggers according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Process raw test data to help draw meaningful conclusions and assist in preparing high-quality reports for internal technical teams
• Participate in destructive teardowns for root-cause analysis, meticulously documenting findings and observations
• Gain exposure to and learn about full battery pack testing methodologies.
• Collaborate with test technicians to achieve test objectives.
• Contribute to organizational tasks & responsibilities like creation & maintenance of procedures, SOPs, standards, equipment, inspections, lab commissioning, facilities, maintenance and staff trainings.
• Acquire knowledge about relevant industry standards, testing guidelines, and norms.
• Tasks require work with hazardous materials using mandated PPE and to set up and perform tests in person and in lab environments.
• Tasks require working with high-voltage (live batteries) and other hazardous energy using mandated PPE and procedures.
• 25% travel to test locations is expected if required for the project.
• Other tasks as required.

What You’ll Bring

• Pursuing a degree in a relevant field (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or similar).
• 3D Design/CAD skills and creation of fundamental wiring and hydraulics diagrams are required.
• Foundational understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, or combustion reactions, and an interest in connecting these to cell abuse behavior.
• A strong hands-on mindset with experience or keen interest in building, assembling, and troubleshooting mechanical or electrical equipment
• Initial experience in MATLAB/Python or other software for data processing is required.
• Fluency in English; German is a plus.
• Analytical and problem-solving oriented mindset.
• A proactive, safety-first attitude with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced lab environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently in a safely critical environment.

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Initial experience in an OEM or equipment/machine manufacturer is a plus
• Experience with Labview and Data acquisition systems is a plus
• Experience with PIDs is a plus
• Project management experience or foundations are a plus