Process Engineer Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

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

Your application for the Equipment Engineer or Process Engineer Internships will be considered across all opportunities for the teams listed below:

Manufacturing Equipment Engineer:

The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern is primarily responsible for the design of equipment, 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 Engineering 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 problem solving.

Process Engineer:

The Process Engineering Intern will implement, develop, and optimize production methodologies in the manufacturing operations. They will be responsible for optimizing product flow through the factory through process optimization that may include tool /fixture selection, line layouts, ergonomic study, material presentation, and other relevant factors. They will also focus on material flow and layout optimization to enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall throughput. They will interface with design, test, and quality engineering to solve problems, improve manufacturability, and implement continual improvement. They will sustain products with cost reduction and yield improvements. In addition, the Process Engineering Intern will work with quality to compile and evaluate data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or material specifications.

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

• Design and own equipment to meet operation requirements and specifications for new launches and sustaining projects

• Create equipment drawings, specs, quotes, and purchase requisitions ensuring designs are compatible with production processes
• Develop expertise in manufacturing processes through critical data analysis and in-depth product and process knowledge; understand process capabilities and develop specifications for assembly, storage, and specialized line display equipment
• Support the Design for Manufacturing team Utilize Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles for design of Equipment, to ensure early manufacturing considerations are integrated into the design cycle
• Analyze and optimize production processes to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), quality, yield, capacity, and capability while ensuring safety and driving cost-effective continuous improvement projects
• Design and modify line layouts, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, safety, rate, downtime, and manpower; set targets and lead projects from product conception through production launch
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement using lean manufacturing tools (value stream mapping, line balancing, 5S, waste reduction) to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve product flow and line efficiency
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Design, and Quality Engineering teams to define, qualify, and track new processes, including associated work instructions, equipment, tools, materials, and training
• Develop FMEAs and Control Plans while ensuring high levels of safety, ergonomic compliance, and process control; characterize baseline system performance and drive actions to improve quality and equipment availability
• Define and oversee Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT/SAT) of manufacturing equipment; develop knowledge of automation systems, robotics, PLCs, and data collection; work with vendors to resolve failures, implement equipment modifications, establish preventive maintenance schedules, and train technicians/operators

• 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
• Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes; understanding of engineering materials and processes
• Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD for 2D layouts for Process Engineer, SolidWorks or similar modeling software for 3D CAD design and drawings for Manufacturing Equipment Engineer)

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

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.