Internship, Thermal Integration Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

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Internship, Thermal Integration Engineer, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)

| Job Category | Engineering & Information Technology | | Location | Palo Alto, California | | Req. ID | 272165 | | Job Type | Intern/Apprentice |

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through fall term (ending approximately December 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.

The Tesla Energy Products team is bringing battery and solar technology to the grid to facilitate a renewable energy ecosystem and redefine the way the world will use energy in the future. As part of the Controls team, you are the thermal system integration intern that supports efforts on reaching optimal performance of thermal systems that make Tesla Energy products like Megapack, Supercharger and Powerwall world class. This role requires the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to testing and integration of thermal systems that are at the core of Tesla’s success. Our team is committed, fast moving and we believe a diverse team of motivated individuals can accomplish almost anything. We are problem solvers, team players and game changers. If this sounds like you, Tesla just might be the place to make your mark.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

What You’ll Do

• Assist development and execution of automated and manual tests to validate thermal system performance across various operating conditions
• Work closely with control and firmware engineers to help validate and improve thermal control algorithms
• Help validate thermal system simulation results with experimental data
• Analyze test data and report findings and test summaries to the team

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical/Chemical engineering or related field
• Good understanding of Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and thermal components (pumps, compressors, expansion valves, fans, etc.)
• Familiarity with hardware and/or test-benches to evaluate thermal system performance
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work hands-on in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and data acquisition (DAQ) systems

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

• 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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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