What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through the entire Winter/Spring term (i.e through April/May 2026) or into Summer 2027 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships.
International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week. 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 System Test Infrastructure team within Energy Systems Engineering is seeking a motivated Electrical Engineering Intern to help design and build test systems and lab electrical infrastructure for Tesla Energy product development, including energy storage, EV charging, and solar. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, and test engineers to deliver robust test hardware and facilities that accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.
In this role, you will support real lab and test-stand work—from schematics and component selection through bring-up, troubleshooting, and documentation—so product teams can validate hardware safely and efficiently.
Location: Palo Alto, CA
What You'll Do
Assist in designing electrical schematics, layouts, and drawing packages for test setups and lab infrastructure using tools such as AutoCAD or AltiumSupport specification and selection of electrical components (e.g., panels, breakers, wiring, connectors, DAQs, and instrumentation) and help maintain related documentation such as single-line diagrams, panel schedules, cable schedules, and BOMsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate electrical and mechanical systems in test environments and lab facilitiesAssist with project engineering to define electrical requirements; participate in site walks, design reviews, and weekly project meetingsSupport bring-up, commissioning, troubleshooting, and validation of test setups, including wiring and integration for PLCs, I/O, sensors, and DAQ hardwareHelp produce clear electrical documentation (drawings, as-builts, and setup guides) for lab users, technicians, and engineersFollow lab and electrical safety practices, including PPE, lockout/tagout (LOTO) awareness, and high-voltage work procedures as applicable
What You'll Bring
Pursuing a Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related fieldCoursework or project experience in electrical design, controls, power systems, or automationBasic understanding of electrical schematics and power distributionStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detailExperience with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) or CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD)Willingness to work hands-on in an active lab environmentEagerness to learn, collaborate, and take ownership in a fast-paced settingExposure to industrial automation and test hardware (e.g., PLCs, DAQs, sensors, industrial I/O) through projects or coursework preferred Familiarity with high-power or high-voltage systems and related safety practices preferredHands-on experience with electromechanical systems (e.g., robotics, Formula SAE, solar car, lab test stands) preferred Basic scripting or test-software exposure (e.g., Python, LabVIEW) for data capture or test support preferredFamiliarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherNet/IP, CAN) preferred
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 + 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.
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