About the role#
As a Mechanical Product Design Engineer for the Optimus program, you will work on the architecture and integration of actuators, sensors, and distribution devices. You will focus on the integration of mechanical and electrical components, including the packaging of connectors, harnesses, and sensors.
What you'll do#
- Design electromechanical parts and assemblies from start to launch, including plastics, sheet metal, heat sinks, and PCBA components.
- Develop designs in CAD for detailed parts and master model assemblies.
- Perform tolerance analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and other simulations.
- Create 2D drawings for high-volume production and inspection.
- Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews with suppliers and support tooling bring up.
- Design automated fixtures and calibration equipment for robotics products.
- Perform mechanical integration analysis, covering thermal, design for assembly, design for test, and stack-up.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to generate architectural tradeoffs and design solutions.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Graduation date between May 2027 and December 2027.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling software, with a preference for CATIA.
- Structural optimization intuition supported by FEA or hand calculations.
- Electrical foundation including knowledge of gearboxes, motors, inverters, and wire harness design.
- Familiarity with PCBAs, FFCs, FPCs, and rigid-flex technologies.
- Programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, or Python are preferred.
- Ability to prototype using fabrication, machining, and basic electronics.
- Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stacks, and design for manufacturing, automation, test, and reliability.
- Experience with DFMEA and PFMEA.
- Understanding of materials and fabrication methods for low- and high-volume production.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Winter 2027 and Spring 2027.
- Modality: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week).
- Compensation: $20.00 - $55.00 per hour, plus benefits.
About Tesla
Tesla produces electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, the company operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and employs over 10,000 people. The organization designs, manufactures, sells, and services its products internally.
How to get in at Tesla
Applying early at Tesla provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates.
