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 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. 

About the Team

As part of the Tesla Car Design Team, interns take an active part in live studio projects and work as productive members of the team. Expectations are high and we view our internship program as an evaluation of prospective candidates for future hiring. Using your design experience and innovative thinking, you will be tasked with working with the team to create designs for future cars, but you may also be called upon for other design tasks (graphic design, product design, etc.) based on your skillset. Our design team prides itself on being multitalented and flexible, and we look for the same in potential candidates. Interns will be expected to manage their own time and be drivers of their respective projects. 

What You’ll Do
Develop design proposals for Tesla vehicles, ranging from broad design themes for the entire car all the way to component-level design  

Create compelling sketches that show a vision for the future of Tesla design   

Work with the team to guide a design from the sketch phase to concept modeling in Alias or clay, and possibly through to A-class surfacing  

Work with engineers to come up with design and engineering solutions and with color and trim designers to create designs that consider the opportunities in CMF 

Participate in non-vehicle design efforts as necessity and your own skillset dictate 

What You’ll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Transportation Design, Vehicle Design, Automotive Design, or Industrial Design 

Strong ability to work on interior design or exterior design 

Technical knowledge of prototyping, manufacturing, and assembly processes as it relates to automobiles is a plus 

High level of skill taking 2D sketches to 3D modeling in poly modeling, Alias and clay 

Excellent at creating and maintaining cross-functional working relationships   

Exceptional visual and oral communication skills 

Must be self-motivated and able to manage multiple parallel-path projects  

All candidates MUST submit a portfolio/personal website to be considered for this position

Hawthorne, California

Intern/Apprentice