Internship, Technical Program Manager, Optimus (Fall 2026)

Internship OpportunityThis position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. 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 Optimus team is seeking a passionate intern to take part in driving hardware development. The Technical Program Manager's core responsibility will be managing execution for new hardware development, testing, industrialization, design improvements, and industrialization. This individual will support the Engineering team by organizing and tracking all relevant schedules and metrics across active hardware projects. They will also be the team's central owner for specific hardware subsystem project plans, and work with Global Sourcing, Supplier Industrialization, and Tesla suppliers to ensure production demand is met and drive escalation and resolution for any risks to schedule. In addition to exceptional organization skills, the TPM must also utilize strong technical skills to work in depth with multiple engineering teams to organize technical reviews, testing, and validation planning. They are expected to have a working understanding of electromechanical actuator design, testing, manufacturing, assembly, and a clear understanding of relevant technical risks.ResponsibilitiesCreate, own, and manage design, build, industrialization, and test plans across multiple hardware development projects and communicate and resolve issuesCentral point of contact for specific hardware development, testing, and industrialization plansCoordinate with cross functional teams on multiple continents to prioritize and manage high-impact changes and drive improvements to all relevant project schedulesTrack and maintain key components and program metrics including cost, reliability, mass, and performance to scheduleLead development of design, testing and validation timelines, DFMEAs, and DFMsManage prototype sourcing and logistics for early-stage program needsFacilitate logistics and tracking for priority projects including shipment of prototype parts and test units amongst internal, supplier, and external test sitesCollaborate with Engineering Part and System owners on Product updates and ensure all changes are well-documented and efficiently implementedRequirementsCurrently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related fieldPrior program management experience or managing a team, such as FSAE, Hyperloop, etc.Desired to be proficient in Microsoft Office, JIRA, Confluence, and GitExperience in leading teams, and proven ability to drive initiatives to conclusionProactive, highly organized, and detail oriented, with strong technical communication ability - able to drive improvements across a global interdisciplinary teamCompensation & BenefitsAs a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:Medical plans > 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)401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefitsCompany Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)Employee Assistance ProgramSick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), 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 - $45.00 + benefitsPay 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.