Internship, Mechanical Engineer, Cell Engineering – Tesla – Markham, ON

Tesla is recruiting a Mechanical Engineering Intern to join the Cell Engineering team in Markham, Ontario for the Fall 2026 term. This is a hands-on, full-time internship expected to begin around August 2026 and run through December 2026, with the possibility of extending into Spring 2027. If you’re an engineering student eager to work on one of the most technically challenging problems in the electric vehicle space — battery cost and performance — this role puts you right at the centre of it.

Depending on your background and skill set, you may be placed on one of several sub-teams including Automation Controls, Manufacturing Equipment, Electrode Manufacturing, Mixing Mechanical Design, Can Stamping, Supplier Industrialization, or In-House Cell Engineering. Each team is working on critical projects that directly support Tesla’s 4680 battery cell program and the broader mission of accelerating sustainable energy.

About the Role: Mechanical Engineering Intern – Cell Engineering

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Tesla, you’ll be embedded in a cross-functional team working alongside engineers, technicians, program managers, and controls specialists. Core work may include preparing 3D CAD models, developing detailed engineering drawings, managing mechanical BOMs, and supporting proof-of-principle assemblies and production machinery. Certain sub-teams may focus more heavily on PLC programming, web handling processes, or equipment design and commissioning, so your placement will align with your technical background.

This is a fast-paced, on-site environment where you’ll be expected to contribute meaningfully from the start. You’ll work under the guidance of a dedicated mentor while taking ownership of tasks that have real impact. Safety, compliance with standards such as ANSI, NFPA, and OSHA, and strong technical communication are woven into the day-to-day expectations across all teams.

Benefits and Salary

Tesla’s internship program is designed to give students a genuine experience of life at one of the world’s most innovative companies. Interns work on critical team projects, receive mentorship from experienced engineers, and gain exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing and battery technology. No salary details have been listed in this posting — compensation information will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

The day-to-day work varies by sub-team but is consistently focused on advancing Tesla’s battery manufacturing capabilities. Interns are expected to contribute technically while developing professionally through hands-on project work and mentorship. Below are representative responsibilities across the various teams.

• Design and develop 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and mechanical BOMs using tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, or 3DX
• Support and troubleshoot new and existing mechanical designs on cross-functional teams with PM, controls, manufacturing, and technicians
• Develop and debug PLC code with a focus on structured, maintainable, and reusable logic (Automation Controls team)
• Design industrial electrical control panels compliant with NFPA79, NEC, and UL508A standards, and create detailed electrical schematics
• Implement control-reliable safety systems in accordance with ANSI/RIA15.06 and OSHA standards, including HMI screen design
• Support installation and commissioning of electrode mass production lines, including design work for manufacturing equipment
• Collaborate with CAE, test, and process engineers to develop Li-ion cell components from concept through production launch
• Run basic analyses including FEA, Excel, MATLAB, and scripting to support design validation and development
• Drive research and experiments to advance Tesla’s internal knowledge base of cell design principles and failure modes

Requirements / Skills

Tesla is looking for engineering students who are self-driven, comfortable in a demanding technical environment, and eager to learn from first principles. The ideal candidate brings both practical fabrication experience and strong analytical skills, with a genuine passion for sustainable energy technology.

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• 3D CAD proficiency in SolidWorks (preferred), CATIA, AutoCAD, or 3DX
• Machining and fabrication experience including rolling, welding, additive manufacturing, molding, or extrusions
• Proficiency in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Programming skills in Python; experience with MATLAB, CFD packages, or structural FEA packages is an asset
• Familiarity with safety and machine design standards such as ANSI, NFPA, LOTO, and OSHA
• Experience with test design, data acquisition, and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab) is a plus
• Basic knowledge of lithium-ion battery cell and battery design considered an advantage
• Strong technical communication skills — written and verbal — to work effectively across disciplines

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and tailored to the specific sub-team(s) that best match your experience before submitting.

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