Job Description

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 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.   

Location:  Tesla Design Studio - Hawthorne, CA  

About the Team

Interns within the Color, Material and Finish (CMF) Design Team will support the design, development and production of current and future vehicles as well as related products. Your scope of work will be a combination of creative design, research, program management, material sourcing and organization as it relates to the current requirements of the team. This includes trend and material research, visual mood boards and storytelling creation, development of CMF strategy, and executing final color, materials, and finishes for production.

What You’ll Do

• Ideate, visualize, and develop design proposals for colors, materials, and finishes for designs
• Create digital and physical CMF presentations that show a future vision for Tesla designs
• Collaborate and strategize with cross functional teams, including design and manufacturing, to implement production of final CMF designs and related assets
• Develop and master color, materials, and finishes for all vehicle exterior and interior surfaces
• Support CMF Design release process and documentation
• Support the program management of all ongoing projects
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors. This includes independent research to identify new resources, materials and technologies, and obtain samples to organize and maintain in the CMF materials library
• Support visual material evaluation and color measurement activities

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Color and Material Design, Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or Textile Design, or related field
• Strong background and/or interest in Automotive Color, Material and Finish Design
• Exceptional visual, communication, and presentation skills
• Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office
• Strong problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to learn concepts quickly
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results on difficult projects with tight deadlines
• 3D software knowledge and rendering skills are preferred but not required
• Hands-on experience, previous internship and/or project experience is preferred

Compensation and 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

Expected Compensation

$20.00 - $50.00 + 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.