Internship, Mechanical Design Engineer, Battery Engineering (Fall 2026)

Consider before submitting an application

This position is expected to start around August or September 2026 and continue through the Fall term ending approximately December 2026 or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 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 teams success.

Multiple Locations Possible

• Palo Alto, CA
• Austin, TX
• Reno, NV

Tesla is seeking highly motivated engineering students who thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to apply mechanical concepts to real-world projects. Interns on the battery team work directly with full-time engineers to design, prototype, test, and launch new parts and processes to improve our batteries. Our projects include high-voltage conductors, advanced cooling systems, cell interfaces, and battery enclosures. Every day we push the boundaries of what is possible for energy storage, both in vehicles and on the grid.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as NX, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Proven interest in hands-on engineering through project teams, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences.
• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals such as heat transfer, fluids mechanics, and electronics.
• Familiarity with and interest in HV battery systems, hardware testing, quality assurance, metrology, and exposure to mass production environments.
• Strong technical communication skills.
• Genuine curiosity and willingness to understand how our products are designed, built, and how they operate.

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 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)
• 401k, 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

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.