Internship, Optical Engineer, Electronic Systems (Winter/Spring 2027)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through the 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.

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 are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.

Tesla's Display Engineering team owns the full lifecycle of displays across Tesla's product linesfrom early technology exploration through production qualification. The team defines display requirements, develops module-level architectures spanning optical, electrical, mechanical, and firmware domains, and validates performance against automotive-grade standards. The team works at the intersection of hardware, software, and industrial design to push what's possible in automotive display experiences.

The Display Engineering team is looking for an Optical Engineering Intern to support display optical validation across multiple vehicle and product programs. You will work hands-on in our optical lab, performing measurements and building datasets that directly inform display quality decisions for Tesla products. This role is ideal for someone pursuing a graduate degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a related field who wants real-world experience in automotive display validation.

What You'll Do

• Perform optical measurements on display modules including luminance, color gamut, viewing angle, contrast ratio, and surface reflection
• Operate and calibrate optical lab equipment (spectroradiometers, imaging colorimeters, integrating spheres, goniophotometers)
• Execute structured test plans across multiple display programs and build milestones
• Collect, organize, and document measurement data for engineering review and vendor correlation
• Support cross-program optical validation campaigns — compare and analyze results across display technologies and suppliers
• Assist in developing and improving measurement procedures and lab automation workflows
• Present measurement results and analysis to the engineering team

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Coursework or research experience in photometry, colorimetry, or display science
• Hands-on experience with optical measurement equipment (spectroradiometers, colorimeters, or similar instruments)
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or Excel)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple measurement campaigns simultaneously
• Clear technical communication skills — ability to summarize data into actionable insights

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with display technologies (OLED, LCD, or LED)
• Knowledge of color science standards (CIE, IDMS, or similar)
• Experience with lab automation or scripting for test equipment
• Familiarity with automotive display requirements or standards

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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.