What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 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
As an Automotive Photographer & Retoucher Intern at Tesla, you will both capture and finish imagery of Tesla vehicles and products. You will be part of the content team that creates world-class work across photography, retouching, branding, video, and design.
This role is a true hybrid. You will shoot when the work requires it, and you will spend significant time in post bringing images to a polished, brand-ready standard. The ideal intern is someone with a real photographic eye—taste, composition, light, and judgment on set—whose deepest craft passion and strongest technical depth is digital retouching.
Locations: Fremont, CA
What You'll Do
Photograph Tesla vehicles and products (e.g., Solar Roof, solar panels, merchandise, vehicle accessories, lifestyle) in studio and on location as neededApply strong fundamentals in lighting, composition, camera operation, and on-set problem-solvingSupport pre-production, scouting, and on-set assistance for photo (and occasionally broader content) productionsCollaborate with producers and cross-functional partners so capture sets up successful retouching and final deliveryRetouch vehicle and product imagery to a high, brand-consistent standardExecute cleanup, color/tonal work, perspective and reflection control, composites, and finishingManage multiple retouch jobs and revision rounds in parallel under tight timelinesIdentify issues in digital imagery early and solve them with the right tools and techniquesMaintain organized files, versions, and handoff standardsWork with design, engineering, factory, sales, and other partners as projects requireParticipate in discussions on timing, process, and visual standards related to brand and design principlesOccasionally support adjacent design or content needs based on skill set and team priorities
What You'll Bring
You have enough photography skill, taste, and “eye” to capture clean, intentional images with minimal hand-holdingYou care deeply about the finish—detail, polish, consistency, and making an image sing in postYou’re motivated by craft quality, not just being on setYou’re reliable with deadlines, feedback, and fast-turn studio workflowsCandidates who only want to shoot, or who only retouch with little photographic judgment, are not the right fit.Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant field (e.g., photography, digital imaging, design, or related)Solid photography fundamentals: lighting, camera hardware, composition, studio and/or on-location experienceStrong digital retouching ability, clearly demonstrated in a portfolio (this is the depth we weight most heavily)Proficiency in industry tools (Adobe Photoshop required; Lightroom, Camera Raw, Capture One, and/or similar tools preferred)Strong visual taste and the ability to make sound on-set and in-post judgment callsAbility to manage multiple parallel projects and deliver under tight timing constraintsClear visual and verbal communication; receptive to detailed creative directionSelf-motivated, detail-oriented, and dependable in a fast-paced environmentAutomotive photography and/or automotive retouching (interior and exterior)Complex product or commercial retouching at a high finish levelExperience shooting with retouching in mind (clean plates, lighting for post, efficient capture for finish work)High-volume or batch retouching workflowsColor management and working to brand/style guidesExposure to hybrid photo–CGI workflows (a plus, not required)Retouching work with clear craft quality (before/afters strongly encouraged)Photography that shows taste and fundamentals—not only volume of imagesAutomotive and/or rigorous product/commercial work when availableBrief notes on your role (capture, retouch, or both) and tools used, when helpful
Benefits
Compensation and 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
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.
, Tesla
