Process Engineer Internships
Process engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience working alongside working engineers and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in Electronics & Hardware, Manufacturing, and Mining & Natural Resources, with Micron Technology, Coty, and Tesla among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 23+ Process Engineer Internships
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire 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 provide 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 Team
Your application for the Equipment Engineer or Process Engineer Internships will be considered across all opportunities for the teams listed below:
Manufacturing Equipment Engineer:
The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern is primarily responsible for the design of equipment, maintenance procedures, tooling retrofits, performance improvements, and deployment of new processes/equipment. The selected candidate assumes full ownership of specific equipment technologies and maintaining them for use with the highest standards of safety, quality, and output that is required for large volume world class manufacturing. The Manufacturing Equipment Engineering Intern works closely with Tesla’s internal Product Design, Operations, Safety, Facilities, Quality, Maintenance, and Process Engineering teams and coordinates cross-functional activities for day-to-day problem solving.
Process Engineer:
The Process Engineering Intern will implement, develop, and optimize production methodologies in the manufacturing operations. They will be responsible for optimizing product flow through the factory through process optimization that may include tool /fixture selection, line layouts, ergonomic study, material presentation, and other relevant factors. They will also focus on material flow and layout optimization to enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall throughput. They will interface with design, test, and quality engineering to solve problems, improve manufacturability, and implement continual improvement. They will sustain products with cost reduction and yield improvements. In addition, the Process Engineering Intern will work with quality to compile and evaluate data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or material specifications.
Multiple Locations Possible: Austin, TX; Buffalo, NY; Fremont, CA; Lathrop, CA; Sparks, NV
What You'll Do
- Design and own equipment to meet operation requirements and specifications for new launches and sustaining projects
- Create equipment drawings, specs, quotes, and purchase requisitions ensuring designs are compatible with production processes
- Develop expertise in manufacturing processes through critical data analysis and in-depth product and process knowledge; understand process capabilities and develop specifications for assembly, storage, and specialized line display equipment
- Support the Design for Manufacturing team Utilize Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles for design of Equipment, to ensure early manufacturing considerations are integrated into the design cycle
- Analyze and optimize production processes to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), quality, yield, capacity, and capability while ensuring safety and driving cost-effective continuous improvement projects
- Design and modify line layouts, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, safety, rate, downtime, and manpower; set targets and lead projects from product conception through production launch
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement using lean manufacturing tools (value stream mapping, line balancing, 5S, waste reduction) to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve product flow and line efficiency
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Design, and Quality Engineering teams to define, qualify, and track new processes, including associated work instructions, equipment, tools, materials, and training
- Develop FMEAs and Control Plans while ensuring high levels of safety, ergonomic compliance, and process control; characterize baseline system performance and drive actions to improve quality and equipment availability
- Define and oversee Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT/SAT) of manufacturing equipment; develop knowledge of automation systems, robotics, PLCs, and data collection; work with vendors to resolve failures, implement equipment modifications, establish preventive maintenance schedules, and train technicians/operators
What You'll Bring
- Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering or a related field
- You must be self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on experience is a must
- Professional and positive communication skills
- Previous internship and/or project experience is a plus
- Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
- Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes; understanding of engineering materials and processes
- Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD for 2D layouts for Process Engineer, SolidWorks or similar modeling software for 3D CAD design and drawings for Manufacturing Equipment Engineer)
Compensation and 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
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.
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire 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 provide 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 Team
Your application for the Equipment Engineer or Process Engineer Internships will be considered across all opportunities for the teams listed below:
Manufacturing Equipment Engineer:
The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer Intern is primarily responsible for the design of equipment, maintenance procedures, tooling retrofits, performance improvements, and deployment of new processes/equipment. The selected candidate assumes full ownership of specific equipment technologies and maintaining them for use with the highest standards of safety, quality, and output that is required for large volume world class manufacturing. The Manufacturing Equipment Engineering Intern works closely with Tesla’s internal Product Design, Operations, Safety, Facilities, Quality, Maintenance, and Process Engineering teams and coordinates cross-functional activities for day-to-day problem solving.
Process Engineer:
The Process Engineering Intern will implement, develop, and optimize production methodologies in the manufacturing operations. They will be responsible for optimizing product flow through the factory through process optimization that may include tool /fixture selection, line layouts, ergonomic study, material presentation, and other relevant factors. They will also focus on material flow and layout optimization to enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall throughput. They will interface with design, test, and quality engineering to solve problems, improve manufacturability, and implement continual improvement. They will sustain products with cost reduction and yield improvements. In addition, the Process Engineering Intern will work with quality to compile and evaluate data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or material specifications.
Multiple Locations Possible: Austin, TX; Buffalo, NY; Fremont, CA; Lathrop, CA; Sparks, NV
What You'll Do
- Design and own equipment to meet operation requirements and specifications for new launches and sustaining projects
- Create equipment drawings, specs, quotes, and purchase requisitions ensuring designs are compatible with production processes
- Develop expertise in manufacturing processes through critical data analysis and in-depth product and process knowledge; understand process capabilities and develop specifications for assembly, storage, and specialized line display equipment
- Support the Design for Manufacturing team Utilize Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles for design of Equipment, to ensure early manufacturing considerations are integrated into the design cycle
- Analyze and optimize production processes to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), quality, yield, capacity, and capability while ensuring safety and driving cost-effective continuous improvement projects
- Design and modify line layouts, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, safety, rate, downtime, and manpower; set targets and lead projects from product conception through production launch
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement using lean manufacturing tools (value stream mapping, line balancing, 5S, waste reduction) to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve product flow and line efficiency
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Design, and Quality Engineering teams to define, qualify, and track new processes, including associated work instructions, equipment, tools, materials, and training
- Develop FMEAs and Control Plans while ensuring high levels of safety, ergonomic compliance, and process control; characterize baseline system performance and drive actions to improve quality and equipment availability
- Define and oversee Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT/SAT) of manufacturing equipment; develop knowledge of automation systems, robotics, PLCs, and data collection; work with vendors to resolve failures, implement equipment modifications, establish preventive maintenance schedules, and train technicians/operators
What You'll Bring
- Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering or a related field
- You must be self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on experience is a must
- Professional and positive communication skills
- Previous internship and/or project experience is a plus
- Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
- Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes; understanding of engineering materials and processes
- Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD for 2D layouts for Process Engineer, SolidWorks or similar modeling software for 3D CAD design and drawings for Manufacturing Equipment Engineer)
Compensation and 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
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.
Process Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Manufacturing
- Mining & Natural Resources
- Automotive
- Consumer Goods
Tips for Your Process Engineer Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer roles
Large employers in chemicals, refining, and manufacturing close their summer intern cohorts months before the start date, often by December or January. Set a reminder to search and apply the preceding fall. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so searching year-round catches both cycles.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
At the intern level, hiring teams weigh documented project work over a short employment history. For process engineer candidates, that means simulation outputs, process flow diagrams, lab reports with quantified results, or CAD files you can share. Two or three complete, linked artifacts give recruiters something concrete to assess and set your application apart from a plain course list.
Work your campus network and apply directly
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Professors and career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside your campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice your technical screen out loud
Process engineer intern screens typically include a technical or engineering problem-solving component, expect questions on mass and energy balances, process design logic, or process improvement scenarios. Practice solving these problems aloud and explaining your reasoning step by step, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as the final answer.
Target structured rotational programs early
Large chemical, energy, and manufacturing companies run rotational or cohort internship programs built specifically to train people new to process engineering. These programs rotate you across functional areas, recruit heavily in the fall, and fill fast. Identify the programs that align with your degree and apply in the first recruitment wave rather than waiting for spring postings.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the process engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start searching, then filter by location and work type so you're not sorting through roles you can't take. On Migrate Mate, the work-type filter lets you narrow to remote, hybrid, or on-site openings in a single click.
Process Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a process engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A documented project portfolio, with process diagrams, simulation outputs, or lab reports that demonstrate applied engineering judgment, gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a process engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it is performance on real work, available headcount at the time your offer window opens, and how early you signal interest to your manager. Position for a return offer by owning your deliverables and building relationships across the team, without counting on the outcome.
When should I apply for process engineer internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers at major chemical, manufacturing, and energy companies recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing applications before the new year. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Check regularly and apply as soon as a role fits rather than waiting for a single application season.
Are process engineer internships paid?
Most professional process engineer internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and some employers also cover relocation or housing. Where an employer discloses a pay range, it appears directly in the listing, so you can compare opportunities as you apply.
What should a process engineer internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history. For process engineer candidates, the strongest proof is a design report, a simulation or modeling output, a lab project with quantified results, or a CAD portfolio, linked or attached so recruiters can review the actual work. Add relevant coursework, any lab or software tools you used, and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote process engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the process engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract applicants nationally, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
What is a rotational engineering internship?
A rotational engineering internship places you in two or three different functional areas, such as process design, operations, and quality, over a single internship term, giving broader exposure than a fixed-placement role. These programs are common at large chemical, energy, and manufacturing companies, target students new to the field, recruit early in the fall, and are competitive, so apply in the first wave.
Can international students get process engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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