Demo

Mechanical Engineer, Actuator Integration, Optimus

Tesla
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/30/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/28/2026
What To Expect
Tesla’s actuator team designs and builds actuators for humanoid bi-pedal robots (Optimus). The team joins mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic engineering disciplines in a highly collaborative environment. This position is critical to the development of the high-performance electromechanical rotary and linear actuator systems for humanoid bi-pedal robots (Optimus). Tesla actuators need to deliver high performance, efficiency, and torque (force) density. You will join the team of electromagnetic motor design engineers to develop the most torque and force dense rotary and linear electromechanical actuator systems in the world. As part of the design team, you will be responsible for design of actuator gear systems. You will also support industrialization and production activities.

What You'll Do

  • Design and integration of rotary and linear speed reduction systems for high performance motion control actuator application
  • Collaboration with electromagnetic motor design engineers to develop the most torque dense and efficient electromechanical actuator systems in the world
  • Continuously evaluate new technologies and design improvements to develop the most power dense, efficient, low cost, and reliable electromechanical gear systems and actuators
  • Design and build motor, gear, and actuator prototypes for the validation of mechanical and electromechanical performance
  • Basic fabrication, machining, wiring, general electronics, debugging, and parts chasing
  • Collaboration with supply chain, vendor, and manufacturing engineers


  • What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • 3 years experience with design of rotary and linear gear systems for electromechanical actuators used in motion control applications
  • Demonstrated successful experience in mechanical engineering in a product design and manufacturing environment
  • Excellent experience with design and analysis of geared actuator systems with rotary and linear gear reduction mechanisms
  • Experience in design and analysis of planetary, strain wave (Harmonics Drives), cycloidal, ball screws, belt drives, lead screws, magnetic gear, speed reduction systems with high specific torque (force), efficiency, and reliability
  • Experience with torque and force sensing technologies and instrumentation
  • Experience with thermal analysis and design for passive (natural convection) and active cooling
  • Hands-on experience, previous project experience and/or internship is preferred
  • Familiarity with various electric motor, electric drive, and motion control technologies


  • Benefits
    Compensation and 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 Aetna 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

    $88,000 - $228,000/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

    Salary : $88,000 - $228,000

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