Tesla
Internship, Design Quality, Design Studio (Winter/Spring 2026)
Tesla, Fremont, California, us, 94537
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. Location: Fremont, CA About the Team 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 moldingis a plus
Must meet minimum requirement for Color Blindness and Color Vision Skill Test (test will be administered during interview process)
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) 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.
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. Location: Fremont, CA About the Team 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 moldingis a plus
Must meet minimum requirement for Color Blindness and Color Vision Skill Test (test will be administered during interview process)
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) 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.