What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:  

This position is expected to start around January or February 2025 and continue through the entire Spring term (i.e. through May 2025) or into Spring/Summer 2025 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most 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 are dedicated to providing 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; Hawthorne, CA 

What You’ll Do

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.  

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

Chassis Engineering  

Dimensional Engineering  

Drive Systems  

Exteriors Engineering  

Interiors Engineering   

Motor Design  

New Programs Engineering 

Noise, Vibration, & Harshness Engineering  

Passive Safety Engineering  

Power Electronics Hardware   

Restraints Design Engineering  

Seat Design Engineering  

Structures Engineering 

Thermal Engineering  

Vehicle Integration

Vehicle Controls & Vibrations

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

Fremont, California

Intern/Apprentice