Thermal R&D, Thermal Engineering Internship (May 2026)

Collaborate with Tesla’s Thermal Engineering team to prototype, test, and analyze next-generation vehicle thermal systems in a full-time summer internship.

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Design and build prototypes and testing facilities from scratch
• Perform instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing for hardware/model validation and new component designs
• Develop detailed and reduced order thermal models for hardware optimization, controls, and vehicle diagnostics
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team on system-level thermal architecture supporting cabin, battery, and powertrain

About You

What you'll need:

• Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Excellent understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics with relevant project and research experience
• Proven experience in prototyping, building facilities, testing, and data analysis for proof of concept
• Experience developing numerical models and experimental characterization of thermal/fluid/refrigerant systems and heat exchangers
• Ability to work full-time (40 hours/week) on-site in Fremont, CA
• Active enrollment in an academic program (internship not for recent graduates not returning to school)

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay range: $20.00 - $50.00 plus benefits
• Medical plans including Aetna PPO and HSA options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Dental and vision plans with orthodontic coverage and $0 payroll contribution options
• Company-paid 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 and employee discounts/perks program

Training & Development

Interns receive training, mentorship, resources, and opportunities to work on meaningful projects that advance electric vehicle technology and build their careers.

Career Progression

Opportunity to grow technically, professionally, and personally by working closely with managers, mentors, and teams on critical projects within Tesla’s Thermal Engineering group.

How to Apply

Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks full-time on-site starting May 2026 through summer term. International students using CPT should verify eligibility to work 40 hours per week before applying. This internship is for students actively enrolled in academic programs; recent graduates should apply for full-time roles.

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

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