Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus

About the role

The Tesla Robotics Team is building Optimus, a humanoid bi‑pedal robot that tackles boring, repetitive, and dangerous tasks. As a Mechanical Design Engineer you will translate ambitious concepts into practical, manufacturable hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Design joints and structures optimized for mass, stiffness, cost and manufacturability.
• Create innovative mechanisms and transmissions for power transfer.
• Perform load calculations and size actuators, transmissions and bearings.
• Integrate actuators, sensors and wiring into compact, serviceable packages.
• Apply analytical methods, simulations and tolerance analysis to validate designs.
• Fabricate prototypes, iterate rapidly and advance concepts to volume production.
• Manage suppliers to meet design specifications and timelines.
• Develop test specifications, accelerated test plans and validation fixtures.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Required skills

• Proficiency with 3D CAD (CATIA preferred).
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack‑up analysis.
• Load calculation and mechanical simulation expertise.
• Prototype fabrication and rapid iteration.
• Supplier management and project execution.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and full‑time benefits from day one.
• Medical, dental, vision, and HSA contributions.
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Life, AD&D, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible paid time off, holidays and sick leave.
• Childcare support, backup care and voluntary benefits such as critical illness and pet insurance.