Internship, Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle Engineering; Fall

What To Expect

Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through the fall term (ending approximately December 2026 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full‑time (40 hours/week) and on‑site, for most internships. The 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 about 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.

Multiple Locations Possible:
Palo Alto, CA;
Fremont, CA;
Austin, TX;
Reno, NV

Mechanical Design Engineering (MDE) interns will work on all aspects of the mechanical design process, including design, analysis, prototyping, and validation of components and systems for Tesla vehicles. As an MDE intern, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects depending on team requirements, challenging you to come up with creative solutions to affect rigorous quality and cost‑down targets.

You will also work collaboratively with cross‑functional partners, external vendors, and suppliers.

Your application will be considered across all opportunities for the teams listed below:

• Chassis Engineering
• Dimensional Engineering
• Drive Systems
• Exteriors & Interiors
• Design Engineering
• Motor Design
• New Programs Engineering
• Powertrain Development
• Safety & Restraints Engineering
• Structures Design Engineering
• Thermal Engineering
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Vehicle Integration

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Proficiency designing in a 3D CAD software (CATIA proficiency is a plus).
• Experience creating engineering drawings (GD&T experience is a plus).
• Proven interest in mechanical design engineering through extracurricular activities, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences (proven automotive or sustainability interest is a plus).
• Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals.
• Eagerness to collaborate cross‑functionally with other engineering teams while able to work independently; detail‑oriented and execution focused.
• Genuine curiosity and willingness to understand how our products are designed, built and how they operate.

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 with 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).
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 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 per hour + benefits. Pay may vary depending on location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package 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.