Industrial engineering major Christopher Salazar participated in a co-op with Tesla.
During my time at Tesla from January to August 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a Construction Project Manager at the Fremont, California factory working on projects like the newly announced Robotaxi, and iconic vehicles like the Model S, Model 3,Model X, and Model Y. I loved every aspect of collaborating with structural, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers to bring these visionary projects to life. Leading pre-construction planning, conducting safety assessments, and fostering positive client relationships made each day both challenging and rewarding. The fast-paced environment gave me the opportunity to solve complex problems and play a direct role in shaping the future of transportation.
What I enjoyed most was the hands-on involvement in every step of the construction process, from creating purchase orders to ensuring flawless execution. Managing budgets, schedules, and logistics became a personal passion as I worked to make each project run seamlessly. Overseeing installations and maintaining Tesla’s high standards for quality and precision gave me a deep sense of satisfaction.
Collaborating with engineering teams to tackle design challenges and coordinating with city officials and vendors to meet project milestones were some of the most fulfilling aspects of my role. Stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office to explore all of your options!