Internship, Materials Engineer, Energy Engineering; Summer

What to Expect

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 team's success.

Location:

Palo Alto, CA

Tesla is currently seeking a motivated and accomplished Materials Engineering Intern to support our Solar Hardware product line. You will be support identifying, developing, evaluating, processing and qualifying materials needed for current and next generations solar hardware products. Materials include structural plastics & composites, adhesives/sealants, and PV specific materials.

• Evaluate and qualify material candidates, including engineering plastics, composites, adhesives, pottants, and coatings, working closely with the Solar Materials Engineering team
• Perform materials characterization/performance evaluation by conducting analytical studies in collaboration with Solar Materials Engineering
• Understand application-relevant chemical and mechanical properties of polymeric components. Develop corresponding structure-property relationships
• Develop and evaluate improved and optimized composition of custom formulations
• Write materials specifications, test procedures, SOPs

• Pursuing a degree in Materials Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Proficient with statistical software
• Exceptional organization, cross-discipline collaboration and communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented, able to work both independently and in a collaborative project-focused environment, prompt, dependable, and excellent communication skills

• 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

$20.00 - $50.00/hour + 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.