Tesla

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application: 

This position is expected to start around May or June 2025 and continue through the entire Summer term (i.e. through August 2025) or into Fall 2025 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most 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 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. 

About the Team

Interns within the Color, Material and Finish Design Team will support the design, development and production of current and future vehicles as well as related products. Your scope of work will be a combination of creative design, research, program management, material sourcing and organization as it relates to the current requirements of the team. This includes trend and material research, visual mood board and storytelling creation, development of CMF strategy, and executing final color, materials, and finishes for production. 

What You’ll Do

• Ideate, visualize, and develop design proposals for colors, materials, and finishes for Tesla designs 
• Create digital and physical CMF presentations that show a future vision for Tesla designs 
• Collaborate and strategize with cross functional teams, including design and manufacturing, to implement production of final CMF designs and related assets 
• Develop and master color, materials, and finishes for all vehicle exterior and interior surfaces. Support CMF Design release process and documentation 
• Support the program management of all ongoing projects 
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors. Includes independent research to identify new resources, materials and technologies, and obtain samples to organize and maintain in the CMF materials library 
• Support visual material evaluation and color measurements activities 

What You’ll Bring

• Currently working towards a degree in Color and Material Design, Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or Textile Design 
• Strong background and/or interest in Automotive Color, Material and Finish Design 
• Exceptional visual, communication, and presentation skills 
• Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office. 3D software knowledge and rendering skills are preferred but not required 
• Strong problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to learn concepts quickly 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results on difficult projects with tight deadlines 
• Hands-on experience, previous internship and/or project experience is preferred 

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

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

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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)
• 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 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 / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor 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.

For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this site click here to download a free compatible screen reader (free step by step tutorial can be found here). Please contact accommodationrequest@tesla.com for additional information or to request accommodations.

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