Demo

Internship, Thermal Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/13/2026
What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 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.

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


What You'll Do
  • CFD modeling of heat transer and fluid flow

  • Develop innovative approaches to enhance radiative heat transfer in small modules

  • Perform tolerance analysis, finite element analysis and simulations

  • Test and validate the electronic systems across all low voltages electronics

  • Provide support tomanufacturing lines and test engineers to quickly identify issues, resolve problems, and come up with production solutions

  • Create clear documentation and presentations to communicate concepts, designs, and findings


What You'll Bring
  • Currently pursing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or thermals-related field
  • Strong understanding of fundamentals of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics
  • Experience in CFD and developming numerica models of thermal/fluid systems at any level
  • Passionate about electro-mechanical product design, creative problem solving, and finding simple solutions to complex mechanical and thermal challenges

  • Hands-on experience with mechanical or thermal testing and data analysis

  • Strong teamwork, communication and presentation skills


Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

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

  • Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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
  • 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 - $55.00/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.


    Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

     

    Salary : $20 - $55

    If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
    Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
    Employees: Get a Salary Increase
    View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

    Job openings at Tesla Motors, Inc.

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Honolulu, HI
    • What to Expect As a Vehicle Detailer Specialist at Tesla, you will play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and exceptional customer delivery experience.... more
    • 11 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Washington, DC
    • What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through the entire Summer 2026 term (thr... more
    • 11 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect As Tesla continues to vertically integrate our operations' we're looking for a highly motivated Facilities Mechanical Engineer to work on a ... more
    • 11 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect We are looking for a highly motivated individuals to lead, support, and manage a team of NCM associates in a fast-paced manufacturing enviro... more
    • 11 Days Ago


    Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Internship, Thermal Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026) jobs in the Palo Alto, CA area that may be a better fit.

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue throughsummerterm (endingapproximately August 2026or later, if available). We ask f... more
    • 29 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue throughsummerterm (endingapproximately August 2026or later, if available). We ask f... more
    • 2 Days Ago

    AI Assistant is available now!

    Feel free to start your new journey!