Internship, Interior Car Design, Design Studio (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

As part of the Tesla Design Team, interns take an active part in live studio projects and work as productive members of the team. Expectations are high and we view our internship program as an evaluation of prospective candidates for future hiring. Using your design experience and innovative thinking, you will be tasked with working with the team to create interior designs for future cars, but you may also be called upon for other design tasks (graphic design, product design, etc.) based on your skillset. Our design team prides itself on being multitalented and flexible, and we look for the same in potential candidates. Interns will be expected to manage their own time and be drivers of their respective projects. All work will be highly confidential in nature, and may not be shared or distributed outside of the studio. That said, there is typically scope for the intern to do a personal project on the side for use in degree shows and in their portfolios. The nature and content of these personal projects are decided on a case-to-case basis.

Location : Tesla Design Studio - Hawthorne, CA

What You'll Do

Develop interior design proposals for Tesla vehicles, ranging from broad design themes for the entire car all the way to component-level design

Create compelling sketches that show a vision for the future of Tesla interior design

You may have the opportunity to work with the team to guide a design from the sketch phase to concept modeling in Alias or clay, and possibly through to A-class surfacing

You will also work with engineers to come up with design and engineering solutions and with color and trim designers to create designs that consider the opportunities in CMF

Participate in non-vehicle design efforts as necessity and your own skillset dictates

What You'll Bring

Currently pursuing a degree in Transportation Design, Vehicle Design, Automotive Design or a related field

Strong ability to work on both exterior and interior design

Technical knowledge of prototyping, manufacturing, and assembly processes as it relates to automobiles is a plus

High level of skill taking 2D sketches to 3D modeling in poly modeling, Alias and clay

Excellent at creating and maintaining cross-functional working relationships

Exceptional visual and oral communication skills

Must be self-motivated and able to manage multiple parallel-path projects

All candidates MUST submit a portfolio / personal website to be considered for this position

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 - $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.