Internship, Thermal Design Engineer, Optimus (Summer 2026)
Tesla, Palo Alto, CA, United States
What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) 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 are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.
What You’ll Do
CFD modeling of heat transer and fluid flow
Develop innovative approaches to enhance radiative heat transfer in small modules
Perform tolerance analysis, finite element analysis and simulations
Test and validate the electronic systems across all low voltage electronics
Provide support to manufacturing lines and test engineers to quickly identify issues, resolve problems, and come up with production solutions
Create clear documentation and presentations to communicate concepts, designs, and findings
What You’ll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or thermals‑related field
Strong understanding of fundamentals of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics
Experience in CFD and developing numerical models of thermal/fluid systems at any level
Passionate about electro‑mechanical product design, creative problem solving, and finding simple solutions to complex mechanical and thermal challenges
Hands‑on experience with mechanical or thermal testing and data analysis
Strong teamwork, communication and presentation skills
Benefits
Medical plans – 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 (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), 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 - $55.00/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
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Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) 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 are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.
What You’ll Do
CFD modeling of heat transer and fluid flow
Develop innovative approaches to enhance radiative heat transfer in small modules
Perform tolerance analysis, finite element analysis and simulations
Test and validate the electronic systems across all low voltage electronics
Provide support to manufacturing lines and test engineers to quickly identify issues, resolve problems, and come up with production solutions
Create clear documentation and presentations to communicate concepts, designs, and findings
What You’ll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or thermals‑related field
Strong understanding of fundamentals of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics
Experience in CFD and developing numerical models of thermal/fluid systems at any level
Passionate about electro‑mechanical product design, creative problem solving, and finding simple solutions to complex mechanical and thermal challenges
Hands‑on experience with mechanical or thermal testing and data analysis
Strong teamwork, communication and presentation skills
Benefits
Medical plans – 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 (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), 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 - $55.00/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
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