Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Hand, Optimus

About the role

• Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Hand, Optimus | Tesla (Tesla SI)
• Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 274456 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Join the Tesla Optimus team and help build the future of general-purpose robotics. We are developing a highly capable, safe, and scalable humanoid robot designed to perform useful tasks in factories, homes, and beyond—leveraging Tesla’s expertise in AI, product design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our mission is to create a robot that can understand and interact with the real world at a level that transforms everyday life and unlocks new possibilities for humanity.

The robot is only as useful as the hand itself. To deliver true human-like dexterity in a human-scale form factor, the Hand team integrates high-performance sensors, actuators, and mechanisms into an extremely compact package — all while ensuring the durability needed for both strenuous labor and precise manipulation.

Hiring engineers at all levels.

What You'll Do

• Design durable structures and mechanisms that deliver the complex kinematic capabilities of a human hand while integrating sensors, actuation, and compliance elements
• Perform detailed kinematic analysis, mechanism optimization, and tolerance stack-ups to achieve precise motion, high force output, and repeatability
• Derive loads and conduct stress analysis to determine sizing of bearings, linkages, and fastened joints
• Test, relentlessly iterate, and optimize tendon and electrical interconnect designs for reliability across all potential failure modes
• Rapidly prototype complex hand mechanisms using a variety of fabrication methods, iterate quickly, and drive designs from concept through to high-volume production
• Develop specifications, test protocols, and quality standards for hand mechanisms, subassemblies, and fully integrated hands
• Collaborate closely with actuator, tactile sensing, firmware, and SI teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware and sensing systems
• Design custom fixtures, test rigs, and calibration equipment to support both prototype development and volume manufacturing
• Conduct reliability, durability, and environmental testing to validate performance across the full range of expected operating conditions
• Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to scale production while meeting aggressive cost, quality, and timeline targets

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred)
• Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T bonus)
• Hands-on experience building and testing prototypes, with a track record of driving designs into production
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment

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$108,000 - $360,000/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.