Internship, Chemical Engineer, Cell Engineering (Fall 2026)

What You'll Do

• Work directly with engineers and engineering technicians on areas including mass and energy balance model development, new equipment at mini pilot/pilot scale design-built-commission, and engineering test planning and execution.
• Support the crystallization team, working with engineering and operation departments to prepare for plant commissioning and start-up.
• Interface with other refinery process areas to assist in making the refinery a success.
• Interface with organizations across Tesla, Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Operations, and the Executive team as a Project Engineer.
• Join a multi-disciplinary team on the design of a first-of-a-kind plant to ensure readiness for both construction and operations.
• Develop systems for operations, training, dashboard visualization of KPIs, inventory management, and automation of manufacturing steps at pilot scale.
• Contribute to the development, measurement, and production of new cathode active materials and engineering / troubleshooting of the processes / measurements by which these powders are produced.
• Develop systems for operations, training, dashboard visualization of KPIs, inventory management, and automation of manufacturing steps at pilot scale, and eventually be the first on-the-ground, technical point of contact for the understanding of how to scale and sustain cathode production quality at our first manufacturing plant in Austin.
• Work closely with Tesla's teams around cathode manufacturing, material characterization, cell testing etc. to coordinate cross-functional activities that improve process control and product quality.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of chemistry, thermodynamics, engineering fundamentals, Li-ion batteries, cathode materials, or powder processing.
• Proficiency in using engineering software and tools (e.g., MATLAB, AutoCAD, Plant 3D).
• Experience in ASPEN, Power BI, Tableau, Python, R, TwinCat programming.
• Experience in a R&D, powder production equipment, or materials development work.

Benefits

• Medical plans, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• Health savings account contribution.
• Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance.
• 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.

Pay

Expected Compensation $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.