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

Interns within the Color, Material and Finish Design Team will support the design, development and production of current and future vehicles as well as related products. Your scope of work will be a combination of creative design, research, program management, material sourcing and organization as it relates to the current requirements of the team. This includes trend and material research, visual mood board and storytelling creation, development of CMF strategy, and executing final color, materials, and finishes for production.   

What You’ll Do
Ideate, visualize, and develop design proposals for colors, materials, and finishes for Tesla designs 

Create digital and physical CMF presentations that show a future vision for Tesla designs  

Collaborate and strategize with cross functional teams, including design and manufacturing, to implement production of final CMF designs and related assets 

Develop and master color, materials, and finishes for all vehicle exterior and interior surfaces. Support CMF Design release process and documentation 

Support the program management of all ongoing projects 

Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors. Includes independent research to identify new resources, materials and technologies, and obtain samples to organize and maintain in the CMF materials library 

Support visual material evaluation and color measurements activities 

What You’ll Bring
Currently working towards a degree in Color and Material Design, Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or Textile Design 

Strong background and/or interest in Automotive Color, Material and Finish Design 

Exceptional visual, communication, and presentation skills  

Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office. 3D software knowledge and rendering skills are preferred but not required  

Strong problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to learn concepts quickly  

Demonstrated ability to deliver results on difficult projects with tight deadlines 

Hands-on experience, previous internship and/or project experience is preferred

Hawthorne, California

Intern/Apprentice