About the role#
This internship role focuses on the development and validation of accelerated cell-level screening methods. You will work within the Electrical Design team to shorten feedback loops for next-generation solar cell architectures. By simulating environmental stress and material interactions, you will help isolate degradation patterns and inform material selection for full-scale PV module manufacturing.
What you'll do#
- Support the development and calibration of accelerated chemical stress tests to simulate long-term field degradation.
- Perform pre- and post-stress electrical and optical characterization using tools like Dark IV, Suns-Voc, EL/PL imaging, and cross-sectional analysis.
- Analyze characterization data to track spatial degradation patterns, series resistance increases, and grid-line corrosion.
- Benchmark experimental test results against industry literature to build a paste and encapsulant compatibility index.
- Document experimental procedures and share lab findings with engineering teams to inform material selection.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with PV characterization techniques including Dark IV, Suns-Voc, and Electroluminescence/Photoluminescence imaging.
- Experience with experimental design, chemical safety protocols, and accelerated stress or reliability testing.
- A strong background in solar cell physics and degradation mechanisms.
- Data analysis skills using Python or MATLAB for electrical parameter extraction and image processing.
- Strong communication skills to document standards and present findings.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Winter 2027 or Summer 2027.
- Commitment: Full-time, on-site, minimum of 12 weeks.
- Paid internship.
About Tesla
Tesla produces electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, the company operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and employs over 10,000 people. The organization designs, manufactures, sells, and services its products internally.
How to get in at Tesla
Applying early at Tesla provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates.
