2026, Manufacturing Development Program

About the role

• 2026, Manufacturing Development Program | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: Austin, Texas | Req ID: 247788 | Job Type: Intern/Apprentice
• What to Expect

The Manufacturing Development Program (MDP) is a hands-on training initiative designed to prepare individuals for careers in advanced manufacturing at Tesla’s factories. Participants will complete a 7-week structured coursework at a partner college and practical training focused on automation, production processes, and technical problem-solving. Successful graduates will have the opportunity to transition into a full-time Production Associate role supporting Tesla’s mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy.

What You'll Do

• Complete standard work process and follow work instructions, procedures, and rotate as required
• Demonstrate flexibility as needed by the business
• Operate complex manufacturing equipment under supervision
• Escalate technical and process issues to the appropriate support groups and leaders
• Must be able to perform a wide array of essential functions across several production and manufacturing lines and work areas, as business needs require
• Follow safety guidelines and procedures and demonstrate a high level of professionalism
• Maintain exemplary attendance and punctuality to class or work scheduled shifts

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrate ability to learn new skills and adapt to new work environments
• Ability to learn new technology
• Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal
• Open to schedule flexibility that will allow for a variety of shifts, including days, nights, overnight, and/or weekends as needed as well as potential overtime
• Ability to work in a team-oriented production or manufacturing environment, including exhibiting strong interpersonal and communication skills with your teammates
• Ability to maintain a safe and collaborative work environment
• Ability to work quickly while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detailEssential Physical Demands:
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs.
• The ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
• Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install vehicle parts of varying size and weight overhead, accurately and in allotted timeframes
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours/day, including over varied and uneven terrain
• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours/day
• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
• Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
• Demonstrated ability to handle and manipulate tooling and mechanically fasten bolts within required cycle time, quickly and accurately during new hire training and maintaining ability throughout employment
• Exposures to hazardous materials used in the painting process and ability to follow waste handling/disposal procedures
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, hearing protection, full-face respirators, gloves, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)