Internship, Thermal Engineering, Aerodynamics (Winter/Spring 2026)

What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 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.

About The Team
Thermal Engineering is the team behind the Tesla Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, Heat Pump Bioweapon Defense Mode and more. Our multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, thermal, and analytics engineers work together across all phases of development from idea inception, through prototyping, production, and fleet support. The team is responsible for system level thermal architecture of radiators, heat exchangers, compressors, fans, pumps, and blowers which facilitate heating and cooling of the HV battery, powertrain and cabin across all Tesla vehicles.

We are seeking technically qualified and highly motivated engineers in the fields of Aerodynamics and Thermal Engineering who are interested in both high-level system layout as well as detailed fluid dynamics of complex fluid systems. Engineers will be responsible for developing efficient, quiet, and innovative fluid distribution systems for air, coolant, and refrigerant with application in human thermal comfort, particulate and gas filtration, aeroacoustics, water management, and heat transfer. Qualified individual will collaborate with a cross-functional team of engineers to deliver innovative, best in class components and systems with optimum efficiency, performance, reliability, cost and safety.

At Tesla you will get training, mentorship, resources, and opportunities to drive meaningful projects that raise the bar for electric vehicles and build your career. Come join our team and help accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy!

Location: Fremont, CA

What You'll Do

Design, build, and conduct hands on experiments with HVAC and refrigeration components and system prototypes

1D modeling and CFD simulation (single phase and multiphase) of thermal components such as heat exchangers, compressors, pumps, blowers, flow distribution and power electronics

Development and validation of thermal and fluid models for hardware and controls optimization

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

First-principles physics understanding of multiple engineering disciplines such as heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and electrical fundamentals

Experience designing/testing/characterizing refrigeration components and systems

Experience with developing refrigeration component and system numerical models

Experience with electronics cooling

Proficiency in numerical simulation of heat and fluid flow (STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, FloTHERM, Ansys Icepak)

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 - $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