Internship, Thermal Design Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2025)

Tesla Motors, Inc.
20.00 - 50.00 USD
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Jul 29, 2025
What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start August/September 2025 and continue through the entire Fall term (i.e. through approx December 2025) or into Winter/Spring 2026 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most 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. The Tesla Energy thermal design team is a close-knit group of hands-on mechanical engineers bringing battery, charging, and renewable technologies to the world to facilitate a renewable energy ecosystem and redefine the way we all will use energy in the future. As part of the Thermal Design Team, you will design and package the thermal systems that make Tesla Energy products world class. The role requires collaboration with the architecture team, adjacent design teams, manufacturing, and service, and requires the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to design thermal assemblies that are at the core of Tesla's success. Our team is composed of individuals who are fast-moving, self-motivated, resilient, who love to solve difficult problems, and are team players. If this sounds like you, then our team could be the right place for you. Location:Palo Alto, CA What You'll Do Component or system design responsibility, from concept through production launch and ramp Perform thermal / fluid reduced order modeling and feasibility studies to guide mechanical designs Develop and execute component/subsystem design validation plans and test methods to validate product adherence to requirements Hands-on engineering prototype builds and component fabrication Advance the product performance while optimizing for efficiency, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability Specification definition (dimensional, functional, performance, manufacturing) Create high quality drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for parts and assemblies Collaborate with systems, electrical, supply chain, manufacturing, service/deployment, and reliability teams to take designs from prototyping to mass production Root cause and solve test failures and production problems Relentless improvement of existing products Component and system integration design, ranging from fan/heat exchanger assemblies, vapor compression cycles, coolant systems, etc. What You'll Bring Pursuing a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field Desire to own a lot and work hard-we have small teams and fast timelines Demonstrated ability or ability to learn to create products: CAD design to hand on prototyping A detail-oriented personality with solid documentation and reporting skills Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals Basic understanding of material science of components used in mechanical design (metals, insulators, plastics, connectors, gaskets, etc.) Strong Engineering fundamentals in heat transfer, fluids, mechanics, and electronics Thermal analysis and CFD experience Experience with CATIA V5 or V6 Working knowledge of Matlab or Python Experience with student Formula Vehicle, Solar Car, Hyperloop etc. a plus Direct machine shop skills a plus Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals Knowledge of GD&T, finite element analysis and design for reliability concepts 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 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.