This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 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 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 team’s success.
As a Mechanical Product Design Engineer for the Optimus program you will be responsible for integration of mechanical and electrical components, consolidating and packaging connectors, harnesses and sensors. You will be on the front line of cutting-edge electromechanical architecture and integration for actuators, sensors, and distribution devices.
Responsibilities
- Develop designs in CAD for both detailed parts and master model assemblies
- Perform tolerance analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and other simulations and analyses before releasing designs for production
- Create 2D drawings appropriate for high-volume production and inspection methods
- Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews with suppliers and support tooling bring up
- Design automated fixtures and calibration equipment for advanced robotics products
- Design start-to-launch electromechanical parts and assemblies including plastics, sheet metal, heat sinks, as well as PCBA, rigid-flex PCBA and FPC MCO’s
- Mechanical integration analysis including thermal, design for assembly, design for test and stack-up
- Closely work cross-functionally with other mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware engineers to generate architectural tradeoffs and generate elegant designs
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related field
- Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred)
- Strong intuition for structural optimization supported by FEA/hand calculations
- Good electrical foundation with knowledge about gearbox, motor, inverter, wire harness design
- Programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python are preferred
- Ability to prototype using fabrication, machining, and basic electronics/coding abilities
- Exposure to a wide variety of test systems, production machinery and hobbyist electronics (pogo-pins, industrial sensors, PLCs, pneumatics, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, etc.)
- Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stacks, design for manufacturing/automation/test/reliability (DFM/DFA/DFT/DFR). Experience with DFMEA and PFMEA
- Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals, as well as familiarity with PCBAs and PCBA components
- Strong knowledge of materials, fabrication methods for low- and high-volume
- Analytical background for successful design (tolerance stack-ups, solid mechanics, thermal, cost and mass optimization)
- Experience with FFC's, FPC's, and rigid-flex technologies preferred
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits
As 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 - $55.00 + benefits
Pay 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.