About the role#
The Cell Qualification team designs and develops methods and equipment to evaluate cell performance and failures. As an intern on the Equipment Design and Services team, you will build custom test equipment ranging from high-volume cycling rigs to table-top fixtures. You will work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to support cell design and manufacturing.
What you'll do#
- Take full ownership of designs from initial concept through production and deployment.
- Create 3D designs for complex parts, assemblies, and system integrations.
- Build prototypes using both internal and external resources.
- Solve equipment issues and root cause failures using first principles.
- Collaborate across engineering groups to meet project goals.
- Travel as needed to support deployment, debug equipment, and visit suppliers.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Mechanical Engineering or related degree program.
- Proficiency in CAD modeling, with Catia V5/V6 experience considered a plus.
- Experience with manufacturing processes, GD&T, and rapid prototyping.
- Background in heat transfer, thermal modeling, and designing for strength and stiffness.
- Practical experience through projects like Formula Vehicle, Solar Car, or Hyperloop.
- Prior exposure to test equipment design.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site internship located in Palo Alto, California.
- The term runs from Winter 2027 through Spring 2027, requiring a minimum 12-week commitment.
- This position is paid and intended for students currently enrolled in an academic program.
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.
