Chemical Operator Intern, Cathode Materials

Chemical Operator InternTesla's in-house Cathode Manufacturing Facility is located in Austin Texas. This investment is critical to our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy and represents our efforts to increase the supply of cathode in North America. Chemical Operator Interns work on a commissioning-based schedule, focusing on field and control room chemical unit operations for safely running process systems and associated equipment during their shift, and provide data to senior operators. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be safety conscious, display attention to detail, be adaptable, work with minimal direction, have good communication skills and be able to work in a team-based environment. The successful candidate will safely and efficiently operate equipment necessary. This position is responsible for performing quality control testing, product packaging and loading/unloading finished goods and raw material. We are seeking multiple Chemical Operator Interns to join our team and help further our mission. This position involves quality control sampling, equipment monitoring, troubleshooting, and loading/unloading finished goods and raw materials. Chemical Operators will be focusing on field and control room chemical unit operations to safely run process systems and associated equipment during their shift. Students selected for the program will temporarily pause their academic coursework to participate in a full-time, up to 16-week internship during the Fall 2026 semester. This internship provides students with hands-on experience in Tesla's high-tech, fast-paced industrial environment. This will be a Monday through Friday position for 8 hours a day.ResponsibilitiesCommunicate with team members regarding safety, equipment status, production, quality, and operational issues using detailed written and electronic notesOperate equipment in accordance with all safety, quality, environmental and efficiency standards by following written and verbal work instructionsWrite and follow procedures to safely commission, operate, clear, startup, shut down, and Lock Out chemical manufacturing equipment safely and efficientlyProvide initial response to unplanned events to minimize the impact to personnel, the environment, and equipmentUse equipment and instrumentation to monitor and record pressure, temperature, and other process conditionsComplete facility-wide and area specific training programs to obtain certification to independently operate the plant and issue permits for maintenance workRequirementsAbility to demonstrate experience or knowledge as a safe and proficient Chemical Operator in a 24/7 continuous refinery environmentMust be a student of Delmar College and in the Process Technology Program. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.9 and have completed between 30 and 60 semester credit hoursSelected Delmar Students for this Internship will be required to temporarily relocate to Austin, TX area, find housing and have reliable transportation, relocation and housing assistance is offeredMust have a valid drivers licenseTranscripts will be requestedMust have command of the English language, both written and verbalEssential Physical DemandsAbility to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a dayAbility to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrainClimb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 50 poundsFrequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reachStoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a dayClimb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structuresAbility to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, or hearingWearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: PAPR, safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines