Internship, Launch 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 
An intern on the Launch Engineering Team will work collaboratively with fast-paced, cross-functional teams to solve complex issues, set goals, track deliverables, and report out to leadership. Intern will coordinate and execute production line trials and critical validation builds, as well as manage cross-functional production launch activities, support pre-production builds and launch activities. 

The Launch Engineering team is responsible for supporting the development of new processes and carrying out each trial exactly to the established product specification. This includes managing the program from early prototype builds through to the launch of the production line. The primary role of the intern on this team will be to test and validate production systems and parts involved in product development and manufacturing to ensure products are of the highest quality. To support this, the intern will interface with cross-functional teams and follow-up on actionable items for the validation of new standards, development of testing protocols, drive new equipment start of production readiness, documenting  test results, and maintain records. The intern will collaborate with safety, design, product excellence, change control, manufacturing, production operations and service departments to ensure the completion of actionable items and successful implementation of new product design changes. 

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

What You'll Do

Organize manufacturing validation activities for new or revised products into the factory/factories 

Ensure that manufacturing trials are well prepared, and manufacturing is restored to control condition after trials 

Validate manufacturing processes to ensure product specifications and standards are achieved 

Assist in root cause identification of failures/problems and assist in building all possible solutions 

Provide updates in weekly program and executive reviews for project/program development and implementation status 

Assist in troubleshooting of system operational issues related with validation and implementation or part design changes 

Track project milestones including task duration and resource usage 

Create reports showing critical path activities and schedules 

Perform detailed analysis of problems and all possible solutions and review PFMEA and provide technical input in the review process 

Ensure proper close-out of the entire project/program by driving and adequate handover with cross-functional teams, driving lessons learned sessions as needed, disposition any excess and obsolesce material  

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Project Management or a related field 

PMP, PMI certificates or experience in project management is helpful 

Experience working with design, development and implementation of projects. Preference in the automotive industry or high speed automated manufacturing lines 

Demonstrated ability to facilitate dynamic cross-functional projects with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing and test to meet project timelines 

Proficient at risk and resources management 

Strong verbal and written communication skills with cross-functional stakeholders 

Experience working in time critical and fast-paced product development 

Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time 

Strong process and continuous improvement mindset 

Hands on and high energy level individual 

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.

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