Direct Purchasing Internship (m/f/d) - Gigafactory Berlin – Brandenburg

What to Expect Location: Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg

Duration: 6 months

Time Type: December 2026 / January 2027

As the Direct Purchasing Intern, you'll be part of the Supply Operations - Direct Parts Purchasing Team, contributing to the success of the team. Working directly for the European Manager of Direct Purchasing, you’ll have the unique opportunity to make changes and improvements to our processes. There’ll also be the possibility for you to get involved in project work. Moreover, you’ll be the central point of contact for all purchasing related queries internally. As such, you’ll learn to create Purchase orders, respond to supply shortages and make sure that the purchasing process is as smooth as possible

This includes working with our GSM (Global Supply Manager) counterparts in the US to align on global strategy, and ensure local strategy is in line with global strategy. Complete supplier nomination by looking at total landed cost, while ensuring high quality and having the ability to be comfortable in a dynamic, ever-changing environment, is key. The intern will interact with the global team in EU, US and China in order to understand the global strategy and bring value.

The intern will learn to create suppliers in our system, purchase orders, and make sure that the purchasing process is as smooth as possible The Purchasing team offers the interns an opportunity to develop themselves in an international corporation with both operational and project work during the assignment.

What You'll Do* + Support procurement projects for direct parts and services, including supplier preparation and project execution + Conduct and analyze RFQs, gaining a strong understanding of cost drivers to secure optimal deals + Learn and manage the full purchasing process from RFQ to contract signing and service delivery + Assist in contractualization, understanding and applying legal frameworks in all supplier relationships + Develop negotiation skills and take ownership of supplier communication, adopting a proactive and solution-oriented posture + Understand production processes and costs related to part industrialization to inform sourcing decisions. + Prepare and present sourcing recommendations to the team with clear, data-backed justifications + Work with Tesla’s procurement systems, maintain part master data, and identify areas for process improvement

What You'll Bring* + Fluency in English (C1 level); German is a plus + Currently pursuing or holding a degree in a relevant field such as Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business Economics, or a related discipline + Previous (internship) experience in Supply Chain, Purchasing or Procurement, preferably within industrial sectors (e.g., automotive, aerospace), is desirable + Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite – specially Excel - and ability to learn new processes & systems + Capable of working in a fast paced and adapting to an always changing environment + Strong communication (oral and written) skills, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships + Self-motivated and proactive approach, with a passion for problem-solving with an analytical approach, and executing tasks efficiently + Strong team player with the ability to collaborate with different stakeholders and business partners + Candidates are expected to uphold and actively promote sustainability principles in their daily work, operating in line with Tesla Global Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S) Policy and EMAS requirements, fostering a culture of continuous environmental improvement.

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.