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Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus

Tesla
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/23/2026
What To Expect
The Tesla Robotics Team designs and builds humanoid bi-pedal robots (Optimus) to perform tasks that are boring, repetitive, and dangerous for humans. The team joins mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing engineering disciplines in a highly collaborative team. We are seeking talented Mechanical Design Engineers to play a role in building this ambitious vision into reality. There will be an emphasis on creative problem-solving abilities and technical rigor for this role.

What You'll Do

  • Design joints and structures optimized for mass, stiffness, cost, and manufacturing
  • Design creative mechanisms and transmissions for power transfer through moving joints
  • Perform load calculations to determine sizing of actuators, transmissions, and bearing elements
  • Integrate actuators, sensors, and electronics including wiring into a space-efficient package that is also conducive for assembly and serviceability
  • Apply analytical methods including calculations and simulations for the design and optimization of structures and mechanical components
  • Perform tolerance analysis to determine system impacts of assembly fits and backlash
  • Fabricate prototypes, iterate rapidly, advance your concepts through to volume production
  • Manage suppliers to execute projects according to the design specifications and timeline commitments
  • Develop specifications and accelerated test plans to validate the product for its determined lifetime
  • Design fixtures and equipment for testing and calibration in prototype and production environments


  • What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics or equivalent industry experience
  • Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred)
  • Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T bonus)
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment


  • 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 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

    $108,000 - $264,000/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 : $108,000 - $264,000

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