About the role#
This internship focuses on the thermal design of the Optimus robot. You will work within the Tesla AI department to solve complex thermal and fluid challenges. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Palo Alto, California, running for the Fall 2026 term.
What you'll do#
- Build CFD models to analyze heat transfer and fluid flow.
- Develop new methods to improve radiative heat transfer within small modules.
- Run tolerance analysis, finite element analysis, and simulations.
- Test and validate electronic systems across all low-voltage electronics.
- Assist manufacturing lines and test engineers to identify issues, resolve technical problems, and implement production solutions.
- Prepare documentation and presentations to explain your designs and findings.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Mechanical Engineering or thermal-related degree program, with a graduation date between 2026 and 2027.
- A solid grasp of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
- Experience with CFD or developing numerical models for thermal and fluid systems.
- Hands-on experience with mechanical or thermal testing and data analysis.
- Strong communication skills to work effectively within a team.
- A focus on electro-mechanical product design and finding simple solutions to complex problems.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Fall 2026 (starting August or September 2026).
- Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, on-site.
- Compensation: 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.
