Mechanical Design Engineer, Automated Test Equipment, Optimus

About the role

Mechanical Design Engineer, Automated Test Equipment, Optimus | Tesla (Manufacturing)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 263496 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Manufacturing Test Engineering group as part of Tesla’s “machine that builds the machine.”

Our team plays a critical role in defining the quality, reliability, and performance of Tesla’s core technologies. We design and deliver robust, data-centric test systems for power electronics used across Tesla Energy, Charging, and Vehicle platforms.

The ideal candidate takes pride in hands-on engineering, demonstrates strong analytical capability, exceptional organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where superior work is expected, recognized, and rewarded. This role requires flexibility and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally to support equipment development, deployment, and close collaboration with our global teams.

This position is available in Palo Alto, Reno, and Toronto. We are hiring for multiple levels. Final leveling will be determined after the interview process based on experience and qualifications.

What You'll Do

• Architect automated test equipment, produce detailed-level CAD models, pneumatic diagrams, and verify designs using structural and thermal FEA and CFD
• Conceptual equipment development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Identify opportunities and implement performance, robustness, ease of assembly improvements
• Analyze system constraints and propose innovative solutions
• Support building, debugging, validation and equipment duplication efforts, and fine-tune equipment for release to production
• Conduct detailed testing and validation of installed machinery to ensure robustness and quality
• Perform on-site and off-site acceptance testing (SAT/FAT) of test equipment

What You'll Bring

• 3+ years of experience as Mechanical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineer with focus in automation, machine design, robotics, and product development
• Experience transitioning products and processes from prototype to production
• Knowledge in solid mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, dynamics, material selection, prototyping, testing methods, everyday machining, and fabrication processes
• Understanding of sensors, microcontrollers, robots, relays
• Versed in SolidWorks, PDM, and Ansys, or similar CAD/CAE software
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• 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$109,600 - $234,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + 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.