Internship, Abuse Testing & Engineering (Fall 2026)

Description:
Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around August or September 2026 and continue through the Fall term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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.

About The Team:
In the Abuse Testing & Engineering group, we push battery systems to their limits and beyond using specialized equipment to apply electrical, mechanical, and thermal stresses. Our goal is to provide rapid feedback to inform designs early in development, by understanding how robust systems perform under abusive conditions. We accommodate external regulations but have a strong focus on internal requirements and testing to failure. Every Tesla battery product comes through our lab, both vehicles and energy storage. Our environment is fast-paced and incredibly exciting.

Responsibilities:
Run experiments and better understand the thermal and mechanical abuse tolerance of battery components and systems in module/pack level boundary conditions
Use this understanding to assess hazards and collaborate in the development of hardware across a broad product line
Create experiments to push battery systems to their limits and use this to inform thermal and mechanical simulation correlation
Study the properties of different types of failures
Root cause and recreate extreme/abusive conditions
Collaborate in the design and manufacturing of future products

Requirements:
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Must have strong understanding of heat transfer, combustion principles and fluid mechanics

Familiarity with battery systems, characteristics, and failures

Knowledge of lithium-ion batteries preferred

Hands on experience with equipment testing experience - designing, building, assembling, electrical wiring, and troubleshooting test systems

Experience in experimental testing and research in an academic or industrial laboratory setting

Experience with high temperature processes, testing, and/or analysis

Experience setting up, running, and analyzing hands-on tests and characterization

Must be hands-on (assembly, fabrication/modification, instrumentation, wiring, electrical troubleshooting)

Experience with CAD (Catia V5, V6 or Solidworks)

Experience with software such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and/or other common programming languages

Experience with electrical systems (PCB's, resistors, voltage)

Knowledge of manufacturing methods for prototyping such as machining, welding, sheet metal forming, 3D printing

Compensation & Benefits:
Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:
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

Expected Compensation
$20.00 - $50.00 + benefitsPay 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.