Internship, Mechanical Design Engineer, Charging Hardware, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)
About the Role
This internship is part of Tesla's year-round program designed to place students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. Tesla Energy is bringing battery, solar, and charging technologies to the grid, and this role is at the forefront of how we will distribute and consume power today and in the future. The Charging Hardware Mechanical Design team is looking for a motivated intern to support the mechanical design of key sub-systems for Semi Charging, Supercharging, and Optimus Charging products. This role requires a solid foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals, a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology, and the curiosity to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. Tesla operates under compressed timelines, so being self-motivated, disciplined, and adaptable is important. You'll collaborate with a fun, diverse group of engineers, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the design of world-class charging hardware.
What You'll Do
- Full product design responsibility, from concept through production launch and ramp
- 3D design of complex parts and assemblies + FEA
- Advancing product performance while driving down cost and complexity
- Developing new technologies, supported with early process development
- Relentless improvement of existing products
- Hands-on prototyping
- Specification definition (dimensional, functional, performance, manufacturing)
- Meticulous release of 2D part and assembly drawings
- Owning basic testing and analysis; supporting advanced testing and analysis
- Root causing test failures and production problems
- Collaboration with other teams inside Tesla (manufacturing, testing, NPI, supply chain)
- Close, active supplier relationships
- Travel to support production launch and ramp (supplier visits, on-site at Tesla factories)
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Strong Engineering fundamentals in heat transfer, fluids, mechanics, and electronics
- Basic understanding of material science of components used in mechanical design (metals, insulators, plastics, connectors, gaskets)
- Desire to own a lot and work hard - we have small teams and fast timelines
- Demonstrated ability or ability to learn to create products: CAD design to hands-on prototyping
- A detail-oriented personality with solid documentation and reporting skills
Qualifications
- Direct machine shop skills a plus
- Experience with student Formula Vehicle, Solar Car, Baja etc. a plus
- Knowledge of GD&T, finite element analysis and design for reliability concepts
- Experience with CATIA V5 or V6
- Working knowledge of Matlab or Python
- Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals
Schedule
This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through 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. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.
Pay & Benefits
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.
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:
- Medical plans with options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both with 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