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Robotics Geartrain Manufacturing Engineer, Optimus

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/27/2026
What to Expect
Optimus actuator team is seeking a skilled and highly motivated, engineer with gearbox manufacturing, design, assembly, machining and metrology experience to join the team. We work with the cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Production, Sustaining, and Supply Chain) throughout the entire lifecycle of a product (from initial design through prototype development and into full production) to develop volume manufacturable designs and processes that will produce gearboxes. The role of the Gearbox Manufacturing Engineer is to support gearbox manufacturing process development to produce world-class gearbox prototypes and drive scalable production methods to high volume production.

The ideal candidate takes pride in their work, has excellent engineering and physics fundamentals, is excited about manufacturing process development, does not shy away from a challenge, highly organized, has good great attention to detail, and is able to work in fast paced development environment with analytical and practical engineering focus.


What You'll Do
  • Drive the in-house manufacturing technology and process development of complex gear assemblies
  • Develop scalable manufacturing technologies that can scale from concept to high-volume production for gearboxes
  • Drive demonstration of developed gearbox manufacturing processes in a low volume, high-mix environment
  • Establish equipment requirements for high volume gearbox manufacturing and develop high-volume manufacturing methods Drive machine tool equipment and tooling design developments with external suppliers and with internal entities for scalable high-volume (automotive level) production
  • Develop specifications and manage RFQ process for new manufacturing equipment
  • Design and build tooling that will be used gearbox assembly processes
  • Work closely with design engineering team to provide crucial input on DFM and DFA
  • Track and document process development activities on geartrain assembly, machining and heat treatment processes and report results when necessary
  • Develop equipment manufacturing, heat treatment, inspection, and test validation plans
  • Coordinate factory equipment installation, commissioning, and production hand off

What You'll Bring
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, or equivalentexperience
  • Mindset to apply first principles for problem solving
  • 3D CAD experience/knowledge, preferably Catia/3DX, SolidWorks. Familiarity with computer aided manufacturing software (i.e. Mastercam, Esprit) and gear design & manufacturing software (i.e. KissSoft, Dontyne Gear Production Suite) is plus
  • Knowledge and understanding of engineering drawings, documents and GD&T. Ability to follow mechanical drawings of assemblies and components that include bearings, gearboxes, actuators, etc.
  • Proficiency in mechanical assemblies of gearboxes (i.e press fits, fastener selection, etc.)and knowledge and understanding of gear metrology tools and methods
  • Familiar with torque tools, fixture design, CNC and automation equipment, control systems and communication protocol
  • Experience in transitioning products from prototype to high-volume production
  • Strong background in mechanical design for manufacturing and basic principles of material science & engineering
  • 3 years of rotary product manufacturing experience (i.e. Actuators and Gearboxes)
  • 3 years of experience building production lines for geared products. Including, equipment design, tooling design and procurement and line commissioning

Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program
    Expected Compensation
    $91,600 - $234,000/annual salary cash and stock awards benefits

    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.

     

    Salary : $91,600 - $234,000

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