Internship, Process 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 Fall 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.  

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We provide an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.

About The Team
The Process Engineering Intern will implement, develop, and optimize production methodologies in the manufacturing operations. They will be responsible for optimizing product flow though the factory though process optimization that may include tool /fixture selection, line layouts, ergonomic study, material presentation, and other relevant factors. They will interface with design, test, and quality engineering to solve problems, improve manufacturability, and implement continual improvement. They will sustain products with cost reduction and yield improvements. In addition, the process engineer Intern will work with quality to compile and evaluate data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or material specifications.

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

What You'll Do

Develop an expertise in manufacturing processes. Understand process capabilities through critical data analysis and in depth understanding of the product

Take leadership role in Design for Manufacturing team to ensure early manufacturing consideration in design cycle

Analyze and optimize production processes to ensure safety while maximizing Overall Equipment Effectiveness in cost effective means while driving to achieve world-class quality levels and championing continuous improvement projects to maximize yield, capacity, and capability

Develop and modify line layouts, key KPIs, such as quality, safety, rate, downtime, and manpower requirement; set targets and drive projects to meet those targets from the product conception phase to the production launch

Drive a culture of continuous improvement by characterizing and optimizing existing processes, reducing waste by the utilization of lean manufacturing tools and concepts such as value stream mapping, line balancing, waste reduction, etc.

Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality Engineering and other teams to define, qualify and track new processes and all associated work instructions, equipment, tools, materials, and training

Champion in the maintenance of FMEAs and Control Plans and ensure processes provide a high level of safety and ergonomic compliance

Understand process capabilities through critical data analysis and in depth understanding of the product. Develop specifications to assist in process improvement, including assembly equipment, storage equipment, and standard and specialized line display equipment

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.

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