Internship, Powertrain, Manufacturing Automation Controls

About The Role

Description:
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.
Tesla’s key technological advantage lies in its powertrain products: battery packs, drive units, and power electronics and energy products (Superchargers, Powerwalls, Megapacks).
The Powertrain Manufacturing Controls team delivers new manufacturing lines to produce vehicle and energy products at Tesla factories. As an intern, you will work under the guidance of a controls engineer to design and implement machine program functionality on these lines. Join our team to build the machines producing world-leading products and accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
Locations: Reno, Nevada, Fremont, California, Austin, Texas

Responsibilities:

Program PLCs using ladder logic and structured text (Siemens and Beckhoff)
Create intuitive operator touchscreen interfaces (WinCC, Ignition, TwinCAT HMI)

Design industrial electrical panels, field wiring and machine safety circuits (ePLAN, AutoCAD)

Program machinery for material pick-and-place, fastening, dispensing, conveyance, etc.

Interface machinery with MES and reports results to quality databases

Program vision cameras for inspection and 2D/3D machinery guidance (Cognex, Keyence)

Program and interface to industrial 6-axis robots (Fanuc, Kuka)

Requirements:

Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or a related field

Programming proficiency in PLC or industrial controllers (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff) using ladder logic and structured text, or similar academic platforms (Raspberry Pi, Arduino) in lieu

Hands-on experience wiring, assembling, troubleshooting and fixing electro-mechanical devices

Familiar with common hand and diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters)

Exemplary verbal and written communication skills

Willing to work extended hours as necessary

Compensation & Benefits:

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