Internship, Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle Engineering (Winter/Spring 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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 teams success.

Multiple Locations Possible: Palo Alto, CA; Fremont, CA; Austin, TX; Reno, NV

About Mechanical Design in Vehicle Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineering (MDE) interns will work on all aspects of the mechanical design process, including design, analysis, prototyping, and validation of components and systems for Tesla vehicles. As an MDE intern, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects depending on team requirements, challenging you to come up with creative solutions to affect rigorous quality and cost-down targets. Additionally, you will work collaboratively with cross-functional partners, external vendors, and suppliers.

What to Expect

Your application will be considered across all opportunities for the teams listed below:

• Chassis Engineering

• Dimensional Engineering

• Drive Systems

• Exteriors & Interiors Design Engineering

• Motor Design

• New Programs Engineering

• Powertrain Development

• Safety & Restraints Engineering

• Structures Design Engineering

• Thermal Engineering

• Vehicle Dynamics

• Vehicle Integration

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field

• Proficiency designing in a 3D CAD software (CATIA proficiency is a plus)

• Experience creating engineering drawings (GD&T experience is a plus)

• Proven interest in mechanical design engineering through extracurricular activities, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences (proven automotive or sustainability interest is a plus)

• Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals

• Eagerness to collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams while able to work independently; detail-oriented and execution focused

• Genuine curiosity and willingness to understand how our products are designed, built and how they operate