Internship, Mechanical Test Engineer, Vehicle Engineering (Winter/Spring 2027)

UEC; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Flexible scheduling

Commuter benefits

Employee discounts

Job summary

Tesla is seeking a hands-on Intern in Fremont to help design and build custom test equipment using actuators, motors, pumps, and modular systems for rigorous validation.

You will manage projects from concept to commissioning, write test software to automate execution and data analysis, and help develop validation schedules while coordinating with program managers. This role emphasizes collaboration and practical problem solving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing mechanical, mechatronics, vehicle engineering, CS, or related degree.
• Proven technical experience through projects or activities.
• Strong grasp of engineering fundamentals; able to read drawings.
• Curious, collaborative, and able to troubleshoot root causes; hands-on with automation.

Responsibilities

• Design and build custom test equipment using actuators, motors, pumps, and system design.
• Manage projects from concept through commissioning.
• Write and maintain test software to automate execution, data collection, and analysis.
• Develop validation schedules and coordinate resources with program managers.

Skills

CAD design

Python for test automation

Reading engineering drawings

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on hardware prototyping

Education

Pursuing mechanical/mechatronics/vehicle eng or related degree

Tools

CATIA/SolidWorks/Inventor

Multimeters

Power supplies

Hand tools

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Design and build custom test equipment using components such as linear actuators, motors, pumps, and general system design to ensure efficient, modular, and repeatable validation.
• Manage projects from initial concept through design, assembly, and final commissioning.
• Write and maintain test software to automate execution, data collection, and analysis.
• Develop and maintain validation schedules to coordinate test resources and communicate status to program managers.

About You

The company is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Vehicle Engineering, Computer Science, Photographic Sciences, or a related field.
• Proven technical experience through extracurricular activities, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences.
• Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals with experience using hand tools, motors, actuators, power supplies, multimeters, and reading drawings.
• Eagerness to collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams while working independently to drive large projects forward and overcome blockers; detail-oriented and execution focused.
• Genuine curiosity to troubleshoot root causes of issues.
• Hands-on approach with a focus on automating repeatable tasks for efficiency.
• Coding experience, preferably Python, for test automation and data post-processing (preferred).
• Knowledge of different sensors and how to interact with them (preferred).
• Design experience with CAD software such as CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, or Autodesk Inventor (preferred).
• Proven interest in electric vehicles and/or sustainable energy through extracurricular activities, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences (preferred).

Compensation & Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Medical plans with options including $0 payroll deduction.
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental and vision plans, both with options for $0 payroll contribution.
• Company-paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA.
• 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 (90-day waiting period).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sick and vacation time, paid holidays, and flex time for salary 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.

Expected compensation ranges from $20.00 to $50.00 per hour plus benefits. Pay may vary based on location, knowledge, skills, and experience.