About the role#
As a CAE Engineering intern, you will guide the design of sensors and structural components for the Optimus humanoid robot. You will use high-fidelity FE models to analyze and optimize designs, working alongside mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing teams. This role involves challenging traditional CAE methods and developing more efficient, accurate approaches to engineering.
What you'll do#
- Develop and analyze Finite Element (FE) models for Optimus, ranging from individual components to full-system assemblies.
- Conduct static, dynamic, structural, and MBD simulations to evaluate performance against requirements for strength, stiffness, and durability.
- Build and refine simulation workflows and automate documentation and tools to improve repeatability.
- Provide design guidance to engineering teams to support data-driven product decisions.
- Collaborate with Test Engineering to design experiments, correlate test data with simulations, and improve predictive modeling.
- Establish modeling standards, methods, and best practices.
- Perform material characterization and advanced modeling of structural and sensing components.
- Plan and execute large-scale DOEs and create ML-driven surrogate models to extract insights for design decisions.
What you'll need#
- Current pursuit of a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field, with a graduation date between 2026 and 2027.
- Strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform first-principles analysis, including stress-strain, thermal, and mass optimization.
- Demonstrated ability to guide structural, sensing, thermal, and mechanism designs through CAE.
- Proficiency in CAE tools such as BETA CAE, LS-DYNA, Abaqus, ADAMS, COMSOL, OPTISTRUCT, Design Life, or FE Safe.
- Experience building high-fidelity FE models at component, sub-system, and full-system levels.
- Proficiency in linear and non-linear static, dynamic, and modal simulations.
- Experience developing multi-physics simulation workflows, such as thermal-mechanical or mechanical-electrical.
- Advanced knowledge in material characterization and modeling, including nonlinear elasticity, viscoelasticity, and creep.
- Programming and data analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
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
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