Internship, Chemical Operator, Cathode Materials Spring 2026

Tesla Motors, Inc.
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, Texas, Austin
Oct 15, 2025
What to Expect Tesla'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 Spring 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. What You'll Do Communicate with team members regarding safety, equipment status, production, quality, and operational issues using detailed written and electronic notes Operate equipment in accordance with all safety, quality, environmental and efficiency standards by following written and verbal work instructions Write and follow procedures to safely commission, operate, clear, startup, shut down, and Lock Out chemical manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently Provide initial response to unplanned events to minimize the impact to personnel, the environment, and equipment Use equipment and instrumentation to monitor and record pressure, temperature, and other process conditions Complete facility-wide and area specific training programs to obtain certification to independently operate the plant and issue permits for maintenance work What You'll Bring Ability to demonstrate experience or knowledge as a safe and proficient Chemical Operator in a 24/7 continuous refinery environment Must 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 hours Selected 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 offered Must have a valid drivers license Transcripts will be requested Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal EssentialPhysicalDemands Ability to performphysically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain Climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 50 pounds Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a 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, or hearing Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: PAPR, safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines Compensation and Benefits Benefits As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick time after 90 days of employment 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