Thermal Design Engineer, Optimus Internship (Jan 2026)

Join Tesla as a Thermal Design Engineer Intern to work on CFD modeling, thermal system simulations, and support manufacturing in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• CFD modeling of heat transfer and fluid flow
• Develop innovative approaches to enhance radiative heat transfer in small modules
• Perform tolerance analysis, finite element analysis, and simulations
• Test and validate electronic systems across all low voltage electronics
• Support manufacturing lines and test engineers to identify issues, resolve problems, and develop production solutions
• Create clear documentation and presentations to communicate concepts, designs, and findings

About You

What you'll need:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a thermals-related field
• Strong understanding of fundamentals of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics
• Experience in CFD and developing numerical models of thermal/fluid systems at any level
• Passion for electro-mechanical product design, creative problem solving, and finding simple solutions to complex mechanical and thermal challenges
• Hands-on experience with mechanical or thermal testing and data analysis
• Strong teamwork, communication, and presentation skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay ranging from $20.00 to $55.00 plus benefits
• Aetna PPO and HSA medical plans with $0 payroll deduction options
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Dental and vision plans including orthodontic coverage, some with $0 payroll contribution
• Company-paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution with High Deductible Medical Plan
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and vacation time, paid holidays, and flexible time for salaried positions
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Training & Development

The internship program provides opportunities to grow technically, professionally, and personally through close collaboration with managers, mentors, and teams, including involvement in critical projects.

How to Apply

Applicants must be actively enrolled in an academic program and able to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks full-time on-site starting around January 2026 through May 2026, with possible extension into Summer 2026. International students using CPT must confirm eligibility to work 40 hours per week on-site before applying.

This job may close before the stated closing date, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

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