Internship, Design Quality (Spring/Summer 2025)

Consider before submitting an application:This position is expected to start around January or February 2025 and continue through the entire Spring term (i.e. through May 2025) or into Summer 2025 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most 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 TeslaThe 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.About the TeamIn this role you will be responsible for upholding the fundamentals of Design Quality as the voice of the customer and for governing the definition of Design Intent through managing the process of approving appearance parts for color, harmony, and appearance quality. The Design Quality Team interfaces with the Design and Styling Team to illustrate design intent while collaborating with the Engineering Teams to ensure that quality is built into the part design. You will work with Tesla Supplier Industrialization (SIE) to manage the supply base for timing, documentation (AARs), and color and appearance harmony reviews as the champion of Tesla's design intent. You will lead a team that interfaces with General Assembly Quality Engineers and Production Control to ensure standardization and quality are upheld throughout production. You will facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned while prioritizing work in partnership with executives, operational leaders, engineers, associates, and other key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will possess high energy, flexibility, and excellent communication skills, with the ability to navigate compressed timelines and several cross-functional activities simultaneously. You will be expected to push beyond traditional limits, think creatively to find solutions to technical problems and inevitable delays to the effect of defining new processes and standards of the industry. This role is based Fremont, CA and may involve travel to supplier locations throughout the world.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with the Design Studio/Color, Materials and Finishing Team on design intent for productionAssist with mastering for production: sign-off of new masters once master standard is approved, match to master development as neededSupport material development and manufacturing processes with consideration to benchmarkingInterface with Engineering on DFM reviews and define appearance quality expectationsDefine appearance boundaries and outline quality improvement initiatives for manufacturing and production teamsInterpret customer's perception of quality through all senses, conveying objective feedback of appearance, haptics, sound, and fitShare institutional knowledge, verbalize design intent, and promote quality objectives throughout the organizationCoordinate visual reviews for all appearance parts at various stages including vehicle harmonyManage Design Quality data (AAR) in supplier portalLead communications with texture suppliers for grained parts, defining grain maps, direction, reductions for draft angles, and zero parting lineOversee supply base timing for pre-grain, post-grain, and overall appearance of appearance partsAttend tool trials for appearance parts of plastic injection molding, casting, wrapping, filming, etc.Requirements

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant fieldDetail oriented and organized. Can manage data, timelines and tracking and follow throughStrong communication skills, ability to be firm and flexible at the same timeAbility to effectively communicate qualitative feedbackKnowledge of ColorimeterSensitive to appearance and color harmonySome experience and technical knowledge of different manufacturing processes for appearance partsDesign orientedFamiliarity with DFMKnowledge of automotive materials & automotive manufacturingCompensation and BenefitsBenefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deductionFamily-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefitsDental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contributionCompany Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSAHealthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)LGBTQ+ care concierge services401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefitsCompany Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramSick time after 90 days of employment and Paid HolidaysBack-up childcare and parenting support resourcesVoluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insuranceCommuter benefitsEmployee discounts and perks programExpected Compensation

$20.00 - $50.00, depending on level + 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.