Internship, Actuator Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026)

What To Expect
Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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 are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team’s success.

During your internship for the Optimus Actuator Design Team at Tesla, you will be working on interesting new robotic electromechanical actuator designs that power Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot. We are seeking driven and accomplished engineering student candidates who will thrive in a fast paced and engaging design environment.

What You'll Do

CAD design of actuator components

Prototype assembling and testing

Python and Matlab test script and actuator model development

What You'll Bring

Excellent CAD skills in (CATIA or Solidworks)

Mechanical design experience, both in part optimization and design for manufacturing (design, drawings, GD&T)

Experience with FEA based part design and optimization

Python/Matlab knowledge, both in data structure management, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solvers

Handy, with previous machining/shop experience / 3D printed part design experience

Hands on actuator and component (motor, gear, sensors) testing

Problem solving with first principles thinking

Experience in Robotics is preferred

Experience in Control Theory with basic understanding of motor and motion control is preferred

Curious and communicative

Benefits
Compensation and 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

Expected Compensation

$20.00 - $55.00/hour 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.

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