Internship, Equipment Engineer, Manufacturing (Winter/Spring 2026)

What To Expect
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.

About The Team
The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern is primarily responsible for the design of maintenance procedures, tooling retrofits, performance improvements, and deployment of new processes/equipment. The selected candidate assumes full ownership of specific equipment technologies and maintaining them for use with the highest standards of safety, quality, and output that is required for large volume world class manufacturing. The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern works closely with Tesla’s internal Product Design, Operations, Safety, Facilities, Quality, Maintenance, and Process Engineering teams and coordinates cross-functional activities for day-to-day issue problem solving.

Multiple Locations Possible: Austin, TX; Buffalo, NY; Fremont, CA; Lathrop, CA; Sparks, NV

What You'll Do

Define and oversee Factory Acceptance Test and Site Acceptance Test of manufacturing equipment

Develop an understanding of automation systems, mechanical engineering, robotics, PLCs, data collection systems

Optimize product flow and line efficiency by designing or improving tools, jigs, stations, work methods and ergonomics using the 5S methodology. Actively use tool data sources (e.g. MES reports) to quantitatively evaluate and track tool performance and create programs to improve relevant metrics

Characterize baseline performance and capability of each system and drive actions to maintain or improve performance as measured by product quality and tool availability

Identify and drive continuous improvement and cost reduction programs and maintain tool and spare part BOMs to ensure proper part availability

Drive process control and process development, specifically in the areas of quality and equipment capability

Work independently and with vendors to understand root cause of failures, propose design or component changes, and implement and validate equipment modifications

Utilize knowledge of electrical and mechanical assemblies to predict equipment failure modes and proactively set and establish preventative maintenance schedules

Generate and maintain equipment maintenance specifications to assist maintenance technicians. Oversee technician/operator training on the equipment

Perform trials to test the effect of equipment improvements and learn to implement countermeasures to prevent repetitive breakdowns

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering or a related field

You must be self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment

Hands-on experience is a must

Professional and positive communication skills

Previous internship and/or project experience is a plus

Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings and electrical schematics

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

Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction

Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits

Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $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

Employee Assistance Program

Sick time after 90 days of employment and Paid Holidays

Back-up childcare and parenting support resources

Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance

Commuter benefits

Employee discounts and perks program

Expected Compensation

$20.00 - $50.00/hour benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

, Tesla