Internship, Mechanical Design Engineer, Autonomous Charging, Energy Engineering (Winter/Spring 2027)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through the entire Winter/Spring term (i.e through April/May 2026) or into Summer 2027 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

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.

We are re-envisioning what electric vehicle charging should look like in a fully autonomous world. Our team is operating at the intersection of vehicle, energy, and AI businesses to conceptualize, architect, design, and launch a revolutionary charging technology to fundamentally reshape the charging landscape and usher in the era of sustainable abundance.

The Autonomous Charging team is looking for a motivated and eager intern to support the design of novel electromechanical systems. This internship requires a solid foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals, a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology, and the curiosity to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. You will work with a small, diverse, dedicated group of engineers to tackle novel problems in a high-visibility setting, where the only limitations are the laws of physics. There are no carryover constraints or prior art - everything you will work on is brand new and brimming with challenge and impact. Tesla operates under compressed timelines, so being self-motivated, disciplined, and adaptable is important. You ll collaborate closely with vehicle engineering, powertrain, supercharger, and autopilot teams, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a cohesive, cross-functional product.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

• Design electromechanical assemblies for both vehicle and supercharger product lines, including actuators, thermal solutions, structural enclosures, and electrical interconnects
• Mechanical design analysis including thermal FEA / CFD, structures, kinematics, statics, and vibrations
• 3D design of complex parts and assemblies using CATIA 3DX; create 2D drawings using GD&T
• Collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders to integrate assemblies into vehicle and supercharger architectures
• Solve complex packaging challenges that require high-voltage insulation, IP67+ sealing, EMI performance, and mechanical shock / loading robustness while maintaining manufacturability
• Hands-on prototyping and support for system-level testing
• Develop targeted test plans and support execution of such tests at a system level
• Own basic testing and analysis; support advanced testing and analysis
• Root cause test failures and production problems
• Collaboration with other teams inside Tesla (manufacturing, testing, NPI, supply chain)
• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or related field
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and physics-based first-principles problem solving
• Knowledge of GD&T, finite element analysis, and design for reliability concepts
• Experience with CATIA V5 and/or V6; familiarity with PLM systems a plus
• Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals - high-voltage isolation, power electronics, thermal management, and interconnect design are a plus
• Basic understanding of material science of components used in mechanical design (metals, insulators, plastics, connectors, gaskets)
• Desire to own a lot and work hard - we have small teams and fast timelines
• A detail-oriented personality with solid documentation and reporting skills
• Experience with student Formula Vehicle, Solar Car, Baja etc. a plus
• Strong organization, written, and verbal communication skills

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 + 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.