New

Internship, Thermal R&D, Thermal Engineering (Summer 2026)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
20.00 - 50.00 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Fremont
Dec 04, 2025
What to Expect Consider beforesubmittingan 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. Internship Program at Tesla 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 Thermal Engineering is the team behind the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, Bioweapon Defense Mode, and more. Our multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, and thermal engineers work together across all phases of development from idea inception, through prototyping, production, and fleet support. Thermal R&D is responsible for system-level thermal architecture (including radiators, refrigerant heat exchangers, compressors, fans, pumps, etc.) supporting the cabin, battery, and powertrain across all Tesla vehicles. We're looking for engineers that are interested in prototyping and testing the next generation vehicle thermal system and components, implementing thermal models and numerical solvers from scratch, pushing the limits of heat exchanger design, and finding the next step up for system COP, performance and reliability. At Tesla, you will get the training, mentorship, resources, and opportunities to drive meaningful projects that raise the bar for electric vehicles and build your career. Come join our team and help accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. Location: Fremont, CA What You'll Do Prototyping - design and build the prototype and testing facility from scratch Testing - instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing are critical for hardware/model validation and investigating new architectures and component designs Analysis - detailed and reduced order thermal model development and studies are heavily leveraged for hardware optimization, controls, and vehicle diagnostics Success in this role will help us drive forward vehicle performance, supercharge capability, occupant comfort, and NVH What You'll Bring Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field Excellent first principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics with relevant project and research experience Proven record of prototyping, building facility, testing and data analysis for proof of concept Experience in developing numerical models and experimental characterization of thermal/fluid/refrigerant systems and heat exchangers Compensation and Benefits 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 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 - $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.