Internship, Controls Engineer, Manufacturing (Fall 2026)

About the role

Tesla is seeking highly-motivated interns to contribute to the design and development of new automation equipment and assembly lines for our advanced production facilities. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the team "building the machine that makes the machine."

Responsibilities

• Lay out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant, and create electrical schematics
• Develop and debug ladder logic PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable
• Interface with conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), LabView
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
• Commission vision cameras for part inspection and 2D/3D guidance of machinery (Cognex, Keyence)
• Manage and implement small machine projects from start to finish

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science or a related field
• Coursework in analog and digital circuits, control systems, logic, and programming
• Proficiency with CAD (AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks)
• Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills and well organized with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong propensity to build, assemble, fix and program things is preferred
• Use of common power and hand tools is preferred
• Mastery of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and programming experience in C++, Python, SQL or similar language is preferred
• Experience with industrial electrical panel design, PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff or similar), HMI/SCADA programming (Allen-Bradley, Ignition or similar), industrial robots (Fanuc, Kuka or similar) and Servo motors and controllers (Kinetix or similar) is preferred

Qualifications

• Exposure to programming microcontrollers
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for innovation and technology

Skills

• Programming experience in C++, Python, SQL or similar language
• Experience with industrial electrical panel design
• Experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff or similar)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA programming (Allen-Bradley, Ignition or similar)
• Experience with industrial robots (Fanuc, Kuka or similar)
• Experience with Servo motors and controllers (Kinetix or similar)
• Experience with vision cameras and 2D/3D guidance systems

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Employee discounts and perks program

Pay

$20.00 - $50.00/hour + benefits

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships.