Company: Tesla Title: Internship, Hardware Validation Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2027) Location: Palo Alto, California, United States Employment Type: Intern/Apprentice Compensation: BenefitsAs a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for: Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period) Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 Commuter benefits Employee discounts and perks program Expected Compensation$20.00 - $50.00 + benefitsPay 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. Department: Engineering & Information Technology This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships. International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week. Many students will be limited to part-time depending on their academic standing. Tesla Internship ProgramThe Internship Recruiting Team is passionate about recognizing emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow both technically and personally through their experience working closely with their manager, mentor, and team. Tesla is dedicated to providing an experience that allows forinterns to experience life at Tesla by giving them projects that are critical to their team’s and the company’s success. You’ll be seated at the table making critical decisions that will influence your team, and the overall achievement of Tesla’s mission. About the TeamThe Optimus Hardware Validation team is at the heart of building the world’s first truly functional humanoid robot. We’re a dynamic, fast-paced team of engineers and technicians dedicated to ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of every subsystem in Tesla’s Optimus robot — from individual actuators to full system integration. We work closely with design, software, firmware, control, materials, and reliability teams across the company, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics. Our work spans real-world testing, failure analysis, data-driven validation, and the development of next-generation test methodologies — all to ensure Optimus can perform reliably in complex, unpredictable environments.
Design and build custom test rigs that push electrical systems, mechanical actuators, and full subsystems to their limits under real-world stressDevelop smart Python scripts to automate hardware control and capture high-fidelity data in real timeRun dynamic reliability tests including thermal cycling, heavy loading, and endurance runs that simulate actual robot useDive into data to uncover root causes and failure modes, then partner with design teams to drive rapid breakthroughsStrengthen validation processes with sensors, DAQ tools, and clear documentation that accelerates Optimus development
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related engineering disciplineStrong foundational knowledge in engineering principlesHands-on experience with test equipment and data acquisition systemsProficiency in Python for automation, data processing, and instrument controlFamiliarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, etc.) and/or electronic design software (Altium, Spice)Passion for humanoid robotics, robotics innovation, and real-world engineering challengesStrong problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-moving, collaborative environment
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.
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