Internship, Power Semiconductor Packaging Mechanical Design Engineer, Energy Engineering (Summer 2026)

Consider before submitting an application

This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term ending approximately August 2026 or later if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks full-time (40 hours/week) 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.

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 teams success.

Role Overview: As a Mechanical Design Engineer for Power Semiconductor Packaging, you wont just follow industry standards-youll set them. Tesla has already revolutionized power discrete and module making, our designs the global gold standard. Forget the constraints of traditional off-the-shelf outlines; you will use a first-principles approach to design custom packaging for our next-generation vehicle and energy products.

Your scope is end-to-end, from sketching the first concept to overseeing high-volume mass production. You will create novel, world-class packaging solutions that solve complex structural, thermal, and electrical challenges. Drive prototype builds, rigorous engineering testing, and final validation. Work within a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team that blends mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineering.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Responsibilities:

• Develop Tesla custom power semiconductor packages (e.g., discrete and module) for electric vehicle and energy storage products utilizing SiC, GaN, or Si technology, as well as developing novel cooling and attachment methods for Power Electronics applications.
• Support package development efforts and collaborate with electrical architecture teams as well as product design teams to define requirements, performance, and qualification plans.
• Conduct root cause analysis of failures with coordination from failure analysis and reliability teams to improve design and enhance package reliability.
• Conduct Multi-physics simulations to extract parasitic resistance, inductance, capacitance, and thermal resistance stacks of semiconductor packages to develop fast-switching and low-loss design to maximize system reliability.
• Perform lab evaluation and sample construction using hand tools or semi-manual equipment.
• Deliver technical writing, presentation, and training sessions.

Requirements:

• Pursuing a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Power Electronics Engineering focusing on semiconductor packaging or equivalent experience.
• Experience with semiconductor packaging design and development.
• Knowledge of various manufacturing techniques including die bonding, wire bonding, solder dispensing & printing, reflow, plasma cleaning, encapsulation, plating, stamping, die-casting, injection molding, fastening, joining, and automated assembly processes to ensure designs are productionable.
• As well as familiarity with PCBAs and their components.
• Familiarity in multi-physics simulation ranging from thermal, electrical, mechanical, and magnetic design. Finite element analysis (FEA) tools like ANSYS Workbench, Icepak, Q3D, CFD.
• Knowledge in 2D/3D CAD drawing using CATIA V5/V6, Solidworks, AutoCAD.
• Understanding of packaging materials, processes, failure modes, failure analysis approaches, and qualification standards for automotive products.
• Basic understanding of power device physics, power electronic circuits, and high-voltage insulation.
• Knowledge of tolerance stacks, design for manufacturing (DFM), design for test (DFT), and design for reliability.
• Technical writing and presentation 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 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.