Internship, Thermal Design Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

What To Expect
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.

The Tesla Energy thermal design team is a close-knit group of hands-on mechanical engineers bringing battery, charging, and renewable technologies to the world to facilitate a renewable energy ecosystem and redefine the way we all will use energy in the future. As part of the Thermal Design Team, you will design and package the thermal systems that make Tesla Energy products world class. The role requires collaboration with the architecture team, adjacent design teams, manufacturing, and service, and requires the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to design thermal assemblies that are at the core of Tesla’s success. Our team is composed of individuals who are fast-moving, selfmotivated, resilient, who love to solve difficult problems, and are team players. If this sounds like you, then our team could be the right place for you.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

What You'll Do

Component or system design responsibility, from concept through production launch and ramp

Component and system integration design, ranging from fan/heat exchanger assemblies, vapor compression cycles, coolant systems, etc.

Advance the product performance while optimizing for efficiency, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability

Perform thermal / fluid reduced order modeling and feasibility studies to guide mechanical designs

Develop and execute component/subsystem design validation plans and test methods to validate product adherence to requirements

Hands-on engineering prototype builds and component fabrication

Specification definition (dimensional, functional, performance, manufacturing)

Create high quality drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for parts and assemblies

Collaborate with systems, electrical, supply chain, manufacturing, service/deployment, and reliability teams to take designs from prototyping to mass production

Root cause and solve test failures and production problems

Relentless improvement of existing products

Travel to support launch, ramp, and debug activities (on-site at Tesla factories, test facilities, etc.)

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

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

A detail-oriented personality with solid documentation and reporting skills

Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals

Basic understanding of material science of components used in mechanical design (metals, insulators, plastics, connectors, gaskets, etc.)

Strong Engineering fundamentals in heat transfer, fluids, mechanics, and electronics

Thermal analysis and CFD experience

Experience with CATIA V5 or V6

Working knowledge of Matlab or Python

Experience with student Formula Vehicle, Solar Car, Hyperloop etc. a plus

Direct machine shop skills a plus

Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals

Knowledge of GD&T, finite element analysis and design for reliability concepts

Benefits
Compensation and 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/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.

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