Robotics Thermal Validation Engineer, Thermal Engineering, Optimus

What To Expect
We are looking for a hands-on validation engineer to explore, prototype, and de-risk next-generation thermal management solutions for a general-purpose humanoid robot. In this role, you will identify promising cooling technologies, build and test prototypes, and generate the data needed to determine whether those technologies are viable for future platform generations. You will work across subsystems — actuators, compute, battery, fans, and full-system thermal architecture — and your work will directly influence the thermal direction of next-generation hardware.

What You'll Do

Identify and evaluate emerging thermal management technologies and suppliers relevant to humanoid robotics

Develop experimental setups and custom test rigs to characterize prototype performance under realistic operating conditions

Work with design engineers to understand their hardest thermal challenges and translate them into structured validation and de-risking programs

Collaborate with external vendors to source and evaluate new thermal solutions

Own the experimental process, from defining test plans and running controlled experiments to analyzing data

Produce clear technical reports and presentations that translate experimental results into actionable design guidance for engineering teams

Support design engineers by de-risking complex thermal problems through targeted, first-principles analysis and experimentation

What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

4 years of experience in thermal engineering with a strong emphasis on hardware development, prototyping, and validation

Strong fundamentals in heat transfer — conduction, convection, radiation, and phase change — applied to real systems

Demonstrated experience building and testing thermal prototypes in a lab environment, including custom test rig development and instrumented hardware characterization

Strong experimental skills — ability to define test plans, run controlled experiments, and draw meaningful conclusions from data

Comfortable working in ambiguous, early-stage problem spaces with limited prior art

Clear cross-functional communication skills — able to translate experimental findings into recommendations that design teams can act on

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.

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