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.
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Tesla is currently seeking a motivated and accomplished Materials Engineering Intern to support our Solar Hardware product line. You will be support identifying, developing, evaluating, processing and qualifying materials needed for current and next generations solar hardware products. Materials include structural plastics & composites, adhesives/sealants, and PV specific materials.
What You'll Do
Evaluate and qualify material candidates, including engineering plastics, composites, adhesives, pottants, and coatings, working closely with the Solar Materials Engineering team
Perform materials characterization/performance evaluation by conducting analytical studies in collaboration with Solar Materials Engineering
Understand application-relevant chemical and mechanical properties of polymeric components. Develop corresponding structure-property relationships
Develop and evaluate improved and optimized composition of custom formulations
Write materials specifications, test procedures, SOPs
What You'll Bring
Pursuing a degree in Materials Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering , or related field
Proficient with statistical software
Exceptional organization, cross discipline collaboration and communication skills
Excellent problem-solving skills
Detailed-oriented, able to work both independently and in a collaborative project-focused environment, prompt, and dependable, and excellent communication skills
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
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