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Chemical Operator Intern, Cathode Materials

Tesla Motors, Inc., Austin, TX, United States


What to Expect
Tesla's in-house Cathode Manufacturing Facility is located in Austin Texas. This investment is critical to our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy and represents our efforts to increase the supply of cathode in North America. Chemical Operator Interns work on a commissioning-based schedule, focusing on field and control room chemical unit operations for safely running process systems and associated equipment during their shift, and provide data to senior operators. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be safety conscious, display attention to detail, be adaptable, work with minimal direction, have good communication skills and be able to work in a team-based environment. The successful candidate will safely and efficiently operate equipment necessary. This position is responsible for performing quality control testing, product packaging and loading/unloading finished goods and raw material.

We are seeking multiple Chemical Operator Interns to join our team and help further our mission. This position involves quality control sampling, equipment monitoring, troubleshooting, and loading/unloading finished goods and raw materials. Chemical Operators will be focusing on field and control room chemical unit operations to safely run process systems and associated equipment during their shift.

Students selected for the program will temporarily pause their academic coursework to participate in a full-time, up to 16-week internship during the Fall 2026 semester. This internship provides students with hands‑on experience in Tesla's high‑tech, fast‑paced industrial environment. This will be a Monday through Friday position for 8 hours a day.

What You'll Do

Communicate with team members regarding safety, equipment status, production, quality, and operational issues using detailed written and electronic notes

Operate equipment in accordance with all safety, quality, environmental and efficiency standards by following written and verbal work instructions

Write and follow procedures to safely commission, operate, clear, startup, shut down, and lock out chemical manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently

Provide initial response to unplanned events to minimize the impact to personnel, the environment, and equipment

Use equipment and instrumentation to monitor and record pressure, temperature, and other process conditions

Complete facility-wide and area specific training programs to obtain certification to independently operate the plant and issue permits for maintenance work

What You'll Bring

Ability to demonstrate experience or knowledge as a safe and proficient Chemical Operator in a 24/7 continuous refinery environment

Must be a student of Delmar College and in the Process Technology Program. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.9 and have completed between 30 and 60 semester credit hours

Selected Delmar Students for this Internship will be required to temporarily relocate to Austin, TX area, find housing and have reliable transportation, relocation and housing assistance is offered

Must have a valid drivers license

Transcripts will be requested

Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal

Essential Physical Demands

Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day

Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain

Climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 50 pounds

Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach

Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day

Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures

Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, or hearing

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: PAPR, safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines

Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

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

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

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