Internship, Actuator Test Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2027)

About the role

Internship, Actuator Test Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2027) | Tesla (Tesla SI)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 284819 | Job Type: Intern/Apprentice

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application

This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through the entire Winter/Spring term (i.e through April/May 2026) or into Summer 2027 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most 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.

During your internship for the Optimus Actuator Mechanical Test Team at Tesla, you will be responsible for the test and validation of robotic actuators. We are seeking driven and accomplished engineering student candidates who will thrive in a fast paced and engaging design environment.

What You'll Do

• Work closely with Design Engineers to create validation and qualification test plans
• Develop, implement, execute test plans for electromechanical robotic actuators
• Design and fabricate test fixtures and equipment for testing linear and rotary actuators
• Perform component (electric motor and geartrain) level testing, actuator level, and system/robot level testing of geared electromechanical actuators
• Work with Design Engineers to validate and refine actuator designs
• Analyze test data and write test reports
• Investigate root cause of failures and help drive actuator design improvements

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related field with a graduation date between May 2027 - December 2027
• Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform first-principles analysis to ensure a successful design (stress-strain, thermal, tolerance, cost and mass optimization, etc.)
• Excellent CAD skills in (CATIA or Solidworks)
• Programming skills in Matlab/Simulink and/or Python are preferred
• Hands on actuator and component (motor, gear, sensors) testing is preferred
• Experience in physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electrotechnical systems
• Experience in dynamometer testing and equipment (torque transducers, power analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Working understanding of servo control (torque, speed, and position control)
• Basic fabrication, machining, wiring, general electronics, debugging, and parts chasing

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

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.