Internship, Actuator Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026) at Tesla Motors

Job DescriptionWhat to ExpectConsider before submitting an application:This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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 on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their manager, mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their teams success.During your internship for the Optimus Actuator Design Team at Tesla, you will be working on interesting new robotic electromechanical actuator designs that power Teslas Optimus humanoid robot. We are seeking driven and accomplished engineering student candidates who will thrive in a fast paced and engaging design environment.What Youll DoCAD design of actuator componentsPrototype assembling and testingPython and Matlab test script and actuator model developmentWhat Youll BringExcellent CAD skills in (CATIA or Solidworks)Mechanical design experience, both in part optimization and design for manufacturing (design, drawings, GDT)Experience with FEA based part design and optimizationPython/Matlab knowledge, both in data structure management, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solversHandy, with previous machining/shop experience / 3D printed part design experienceHands on actuator and component (motor, gear, sensors) testingProblem solving with first principles thinkingExperience in Robotics is preferredExperience in Control Theory with basic understanding of motor and motion control is preferredCurious and communicativeCompensation and BenefitsBenefitsAs a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:Aetna PPO and HSA plans 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deductionFamily-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefitsDental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contributionCompany Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSAHealthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefitsCompany Paid Basic Life, ADD, and short-term disability insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramSick time after 90 days of employment and Paid HolidaysBack-up childcare and parenting support resourcesVoluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft legal services, and pet insuranceCommuter benefitsEmployee discounts and perks programExpected Compensation$20.00 - $55.00 + 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.Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this siteclick here to download a free compatible screen reader(free step by steptutorial can be found here). Please [email protected] additional information or to request accommodations.Privacy is a top priority for Tesla. We build it into our products and view it as an essential part of our business. To understand more about the data we collect and process as part of your application, please view ourTesla Talent Privacy Notice.#SPCareers