Mechanical Design Engineer Intern

Job Description

Consider before submitting an application: 

 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, 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.    

Internship Program at Tesla   

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 provide an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.  

Tesla Energy is bringing battery, solar, and charging technologies to the grid, establishing new industries and defining the future of renewable energy ecosystems. 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 and eager intern to support the mechanical design of key sub-systems for our Semi Charging, Supercharging, and Optimus Charging products. This internship 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.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Job Responsibilities

• 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)

Job 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 hand on prototyping
• Direct machine shop skills a plus
• A detail-oriented personality with solid documentation and reporting skills
• 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