Mechanical Test Engineer Fall Internship (Aug 2024)

About Tesla

Tesla Inc. is a global automotive and energy company known for its electric vehicle lineup including Model Y, Model 3, Model X, and Model S, as well as upcoming releases like the Cybertruck and Tesla Roadster. It also offers energy solutions, such as solar panels and storage systems, operating globally with manufacturing plants in the US, Germany, and China.

Your role

This position is expected to start around August/September 2024 and continue through the entire Fall term (i.e. through December 2024) or into Spring 2025 if available. They ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most internships

About the Team:

They are a diverse, enthusiastic, and growing team of multi-disciplined engineers who further Tesla's mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy by demonstrating the functionality, performance, and durability of new hardware designs.   

What you’ll do:

As a test engineering intern, you will learn how to leverage hardware, firmware, and software solutions to validate Tesla products to rigorous internal and industry standards. They are interested in diverse candidates with all levels of experience, but they will prioritize curious and driven engineers with strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. 

• Design and build custom test equipment using components such as linear actuators (pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric), motors, pumps, and general system design to make validation efficient, modular, and repeatable.
• Manage projects from initial concept through design, assembly, and final commissioning.
• Write and maintain test software to automate execution, data collection and analysis.
• Develop and maintain validation schedules to coordinate test resources and communicate status to program managers.

Qualified applicants may be reviewed by one or more of the following teams: 

• Thermal Management Test Engineering 
• Structures Test Engineering (Closures, Interiors, Exteriors, Vibrations, Chassis, etc.) 
• Power Electronics Manufacturing Test Engineering 
• Drive Unit Test Engineering 
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Test Engineering 
• Capability Development 
• Design For Reliability  
• Photo Instrumentation Technology 
• Analysis Engineering 

Training & development

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Their 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. They 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. 

Salary & benefits

The expected compensation hourly pay range is $20.00 - $50.00 per hour.

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deductions.
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution.
• Company (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA.
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services.
• 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 include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee discounts and perks program.

Career progression

Tesla offers a comprehensive array of training, mentorship, project-based work, networking opportunities, and professional development resources to interns, fostering their growth and providing valuable hands-on experience. Career progression at Tesla is often driven by individual performance, initiative, and a willingness to take on new challenges. The company values employees who are passionate about their work, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and are committed to driving Tesla's mission forward. 

Work-life balance

At Tesla, work-life balance is a top priority, with a commitment to providing employees with flexible schedules and support to ensure their well-being. By promoting a healthy harmony between work and personal life, Tesla encourages a productive and motivated workforce. For this role, you must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. 

Culture & vibe

Tesla’s organizational culture empowers its workforce to search for ideal solutions that make the business stand out in the automotive and energy generation and storage industries. The company encourages employees to innovate to support the continuous improvement of the business. Through the organizational culture, Tesla Inc.’s management optimizes employees to achieve creative and innovative behaviours. 

About you

What you’ll bring:

• Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Vehicle Engineering, Computer Science, Photographic Sciences, or equivalent.
• Proven technical experience through extracurricular activities, academic projects, passion projects, or equivalent experiences.
• Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals with experience using hand tools, motors, actuators, power supplies, multimeters, and reading drawings.
• Eagerness to collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams, while working independently to drive large projects forward and overcome blockers; detail-oriented and execution-focused.
• Genuine curiosity to figure out why something doesn’t work; troubleshooting the root cause of an issue comes second nature to you.
• Love to be hands-on, understand how to interact with a system and automate repeatable tasks. You thrive on efficiency and hate to see someone waste time on something a script, fixture, or robotic system could do automatically.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• tesla.com
• youtube.com