Internship, Equipment Engineer, Manufacturing (Winter/Spring 2026)

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.

About the Team

The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern is primarily responsible for the design of maintenance procedures, tooling retrofits, performance improvements, and deployment of new processes/equipment. The selected candidate assumes full ownership of specific equipment technologies and maintaining them for use with the highest standards of safety, quality, and output that is required for large volume world class manufacturing. The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern works closely with Tesla's internal Product Design, Operations, Safety, Facilities, Quality, Maintenance, and Process Engineering teams and coordinates cross-functional activities for day-to-day issue problem solving.

Multiple Locations Possible: Austin, TX; Buffalo, NY; Fremont, CA; Lathrop, CA; Sparks, NV

• Define and oversee Factory Acceptance Test and Site Acceptance Test of manufacturing equipment

• Develop an understanding of automation systems, mechanical engineering, robotics, PLCs, data collection systems

• Optimize product flow and line efficiency by designing or improving tools, jigs, stations, work methods and ergonomics using the 5S methodology. Actively use tool data sources (e.g. MES reports) to quantitatively evaluate and track tool performance and create programs to improve relevant metrics

• Characterize baseline performance and capability of each system and drive actions to maintain or improve performance as measured by product quality and tool availability

• Identify and drive continuous improvement and cost reduction programs and maintain tool and spare part BOMs to ensure proper part availability

• Drive process control and process development, specifically in the areas of quality and equipment capability

• Work independently and with vendors to understand root cause of failures, propose design or component changes, and implement and validate equipment modifications

• Utilize knowledge of electrical and mechanical assemblies to predict equipment failure modes and proactively set and establish preventative maintenance schedules

• Generate and maintain equipment maintenance specifications to assist maintenance technicians. Oversee technician/operator training on the equipment

• Perform trials to test the effect of equipment improvements and learn to implement countermeasures to prevent repetitive breakdowns

• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering or a related field

• You must be self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment

• Hands-on experience is a must

• Professional and positive communication skills

• Previous internship and/or project experience is a plus

• Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings and electrical schematics