Thermal Aerodynamics Engineering 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

What to expect:

This position is expected to start around August 2024 and continue through the entire Fall term (i.e. through December). They ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time, in-person. 

About Thermal Aerodynamics:

Thermal Engineering is the team behind the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle Airwave, Bioweapon Defense Mode, and more. Their multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, and thermal engineers work together across all phases of development from idea inception, through prototyping, production, and fleet support.

Aerodynamicists are responsible for developing efficient, quiet, and innovative fluid distribution systems for air, coolant, and refrigerant across all Tesla vehicles. They're looking for engineers interested in high-level system layout and performance scoping, the detailed fluid dynamics of flow distribution, pump impellers, and fan blades, noise reduction, particulate and gas filtration, water management, heat exchanges, and developing new methods of analyzing, testing, and validating these systems.

What you’ll do:

• Develop aerodynamic concepts and technology in CAD.
• Utilize and develop CFD workflows for aerodynamic evaluation and optimization.
• Support physical testing activities in the wind tunnel, on the road and bench testing.
• Analyze, document and present technical findings.
• Develop software tools to assist and improve development activities.

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 critical to their team’s success. 

Salary & benefits

The expected compensation pay range for this role 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:

• Working towards a degree in engineering or a relevant field, preferably a deep understanding of and passion for aerodynamics, ideally supported by master’s level academic study in a relevant field.
• A curious mind and an eye for detail.
• Proven ability to translate technical understanding into performant designs.
• Understanding of, and preferably experience in, CFD modelling (preferably Star-CCM+).
• Familiarity with the use of CAD software to create and manipulate 3D surface geometry (ideally Catia/3DX).

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• tesla.com
• youtube.com