Internship, Powertrain, Manufacturing Automation Controls Engineering (Winter/Spring 2027)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) 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.

Internship Program at Tesla:

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

Tesla’s key technological advantage lies in its powertrain products: battery packs, drive units, and power electronics and energy products (Superchargers, Powerwalls, Megapacks).

The Powertrain Manufacturing Controls team delivers new manufacturing lines to produce vehicle and energy products at Tesla factories. This position is based at our Giga Nevada location in Sparks, NV. As an intern, you will work under the guidance of a controls engineer to design and implement machine program functionality on these lines. Join our team to build the machines producing world-leading products and accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Locations: Reno, Nevada, Fremont, California, Austin, Texas

What You’ll Do

• Program PLCs using ladder logic and structured text (Siemens and Beckhoff)
• Create intuitive operator touchscreen interfaces (WinCC, Ignition, TwinCAT HMI)
• Design industrial electrical panels, field wiring and machine safety circuits (ePLAN, AutoCAD)
• Program machinery for material pick-and-place, fastening, dispensing, conveyance, etc.
• Interface machinery with MES and reports results to quality databases
• Program vision cameras for inspection and 2D/3D machinery guidance (Cognex, Keyence)
• Program and interface to industrial 6-axis robots (Fanuc, Kuka)

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or a related field
• Programming proficiency in PLC or industrial controllers (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff) using ladder logic and structured text, or similar academic platforms (Raspberry Pi, Arduino) in lieu
• Hands-on experience wiring, assembling, troubleshooting and fixing electro-mechanical devices
• Familiar with common hand and diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters)
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
• Willing to work extended hours as necessary