Internship, Technical Program Manager, Optimus (Summer 2026)

Tesla Inc

Palo Alto, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Atlassian JIRA, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Electricity, Establish Priorities, Git, Hardware Development, Hardware Quality Assurance, Leadership, Logistics, Manufacturing Assembly, Manufacturing/Production Testing, Metrics, Microsoft Office, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Project Schedule, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Prototyping, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Test Design, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Validation Plan, Validation Testing, Vendor/Supplier Sourcing
LOCATION
Palo Alto, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

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 hoursweek 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.

About the Team

TheOptimus team is seeking a passionate intern to take part in driving hardware development.

The Technical Program Managerscore responsibility will be managing execution for newhardwaredevelopment testing industrialization design improvements andindustrialization. This individualwill support the Engineering team by organizing and tracking all relevant schedules and metrics across activehardwareprojects. They will also be the teams central owner forspecific hardware subsystemproject plansand work with Global Sourcing Supplier Industrialization and Tesla suppliers to ensure production demand is met and drive escalation and resolution for any risks to schedule. In addition to exceptional organization skillstheTPMmust alsoutilizestrong technical skills to work in depth with multiple engineering teamstoorganize technical reviews testing and validation planning. They are expected to have aworkingunderstanding ofelectromechanical actuatordesign testing manufacturing assembly and a clear understanding of relevant technical risks.

Create own and manage design build industrialization and test plans across multiple hardware development projects and communicate and resolve issues

Central point of contact for specific hardware development testing and industrialization plans

Coordinate with cross functional teams on multiple continents to prioritize and manage high-impact changes and drive improvements to all relevant project schedules

Track and maintain key components and program metrics including cost reliability mass and performance to schedule

Lead development of design testing and validation timelines DFMEAs and DFMs

Manage prototype sourcing and logistics for early-stage program needs

Facilitate logistics and tracking for priority projects including shipment of prototype parts and test units amongst internal supplier and external test sites

Collaborate with Engineering Part and System owners on Product updates and ensure all changes are well-documented and efficiently implemented

Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Electrical or a related field

Prior program management experience or managing a team such as FSAE Hyperloop etc.

Desired to be proficient in Microsoft Office JIRA Confluence and Git

Experience in leading teams and proven ability to drive initiatives to conclusion

Proactive highly organized and detail oriented with strong technical communication ability - able to drive improvements across a global interdisciplinary team

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 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 - 45.00 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.

About the Company

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Tesla Inc