Internship, Design Quality, Design Studio (Fall 2025)

What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:  

This position is expected to start around August or September 2025 and continue through the Fall term (ending approximately December 2025) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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: Fremont, CA   

About  
In this role you will develop the skills and learn the process for approving appearance parts for color, appearance quality, and harmony. You will engage with suppliers, giving direction based on the product target and approving/rejecting parts. The Design Quality Team interfaces with Design and Engineering to gain an understanding of design intent and develops product with suppliers as a champion of that.

What You'll Do

Engage with suppliers to provide direction based on the product target and approval or rejecting parts 

Conduct vehicle reviews to assess technical perceived and aesthetic quality of interior and exterior components – throughout development stages 

Coordinate with Tesla Product Excellence/Industrialization Teams to support color and appearance harmony reviews 

Manage timing, parts documents (AARs) and the supply base through the supplier portal 

Assist in the development and design of various vehicle engineering parts as well as manufacturing processes

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering or a related field 

Basic to intermediate knowledge of materials: textiles, leather, PUR, vacuum forming, colorants, paints, plating

Working knowledge of automotive components 

Proficient in Microsoft Office tools 

Strong communication skills and confidence when giving feedback 

Process/assembly knowledge: injection molding is a plus

Must meet minimum requirement for Color Blindness and Color Vision Skill Test (test will be administered during interview process)

Benefits
Compensation and 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)

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 - $30.00/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

Tesla