What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around May or June 2026 and continue through the Summer term (ending approximately August 2026) or continuing into Fall 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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.

Multiple Locations Possible: Palo Alto, CA; Fremont, CA; Austin, TX; Reno, NV

What You'll Do
About Mechanical Design in Vehicle Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineering (MDE) interns will work on all aspects of the mechanical design process, including design, analysis, prototyping, and validation of components and systems for Tesla vehicles. As an MDE intern, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects depending on team requirements, challenging you to come up with creative solutions to affect rigorous quality and cost-down targets. Additionally, you will work collaboratively with cross-functional partners, external vendors, and suppliers.

What to Expect

Your application will be considered across all opportunities for the teams listed below:

Chassis Engineering

Dimensional Engineering

Drive Systems

Exteriors & Interiors Design Engineering

Motor Design

New Programs Engineering

Powertrain Development

Safety & Restraints Engineering

Structures Design Engineering

Thermal Engineering

Vehicle Dynamics

Vehicle Integration

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field

Proficiency designing in a 3D CAD software (CATIA proficiency is a plus)

Experience creating engineering drawings (GD&T experience is a plus)

Proven interest in mechanical design engineering through extracurricular activities, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences (proven automotive or sustainability interest is a plus)

Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals

Eagerness to collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams while able to work independently; detail-oriented and execution focused

Genuine curiosity and willingness to understand how our products are designed, built and how they operate

Benefits
Compensation and 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 - $50.00/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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