What are the responsibilities and job description for the Internship, Thermal R&D, Thermal Engineering (Fall 2026) position at Tesla?
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.
About The Team
Thermal Engineering is the team behind the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, Bioweapon Defense Mode, and more. Our multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, and thermal engineers work together across all phases of development from idea inception, through prototyping, production, and fleet support. Thermal R&D is responsible for system-level thermal architecture (including radiators, refrigerant heat exchangers, compressors, fans, pumps, etc.) supporting the cabin, battery, and powertrain across all Tesla vehicles. We’re looking for engineers that are interested in prototyping and testing the next generation vehicle thermal system and components, implementing thermal models and numerical solvers from scratch, develop controls and diagnostics system for thermal system, pushing the limits of heat exchanger design, and finding the next step up for system COP, performance and reliability. At Tesla, you will get the training, mentorship, resources, and opportunities to drive meaningful projects that raise the bar for electric vehicles and build your career. Come join our team and help accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
Location: Fremont, CA
What You'll Do
Prototyping – design and build the prototype and testing facility from scratch Success in this role will help us drive forward vehicle performance, supercharge capability, occupant comfort, and NVH Analysis – reduced order thermal model development and studies, multi-physics simulation are heavily leveraged for hardware optimization, controls, and vehicle diagnostics Testing – instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing are critical for hardware/model validation and investigating new architectures and component designs
What You'll Bring
Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or a related field Proven record of prototyping, building facility, testing and data analysis for proof of concept Firmware development experience would be a bonus Experience in developing numerical models in script or with commercial package, and experimental characterization of thermal/fluid/refrigerant systems and heat exchangers Excellent first principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics with relevant project and research experience
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.
, Tesla
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.
About The Team
Thermal Engineering is the team behind the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, Bioweapon Defense Mode, and more. Our multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, and thermal engineers work together across all phases of development from idea inception, through prototyping, production, and fleet support. Thermal R&D is responsible for system-level thermal architecture (including radiators, refrigerant heat exchangers, compressors, fans, pumps, etc.) supporting the cabin, battery, and powertrain across all Tesla vehicles. We’re looking for engineers that are interested in prototyping and testing the next generation vehicle thermal system and components, implementing thermal models and numerical solvers from scratch, develop controls and diagnostics system for thermal system, pushing the limits of heat exchanger design, and finding the next step up for system COP, performance and reliability. At Tesla, you will get the training, mentorship, resources, and opportunities to drive meaningful projects that raise the bar for electric vehicles and build your career. Come join our team and help accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
Location: Fremont, CA
What You'll Do
Compensation and Benefits
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:
$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.
, Tesla
Salary : $20 - $50