Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Mechanisms, Optimus

About the role

Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Structures & Mechanisms, Optimus | Tesla (Tesla SI)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 222716 | 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 Structures and Mechanisms team designs the robot’s skeleton and joints. We focus on creating lightweight, durable, and highly integrated mechanical designs that enable exceptional performance while remaining optimized for manufacturability, cost, and long-term reliability at massive scale.

Hiring engineers at all levels.

What You'll Do

• Design and optimize joints and structures for mass, stiffness, durability, cost, and high-volume manufacturability
• Conceptualize and develop novel mechanisms that perform reliably across dynamic joints and complex motion profiles
• Perform load calculations and stress analysis to dictate sizing of bearings, linkages, and fastened joints
• Integrate actuators, sensors, electronics, and wiring into compact, space-efficient mechanical packages that support fast assembly, maintenance, and serviceability
• Apply analytical methods—including hand calculations, finite element analysis, and multi-body simulations—to drive design decisions and performance optimization
• Conduct tolerance analyses and backlash studies to ensure robust assembly performance and long-term reliability
• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate on designs, taking concepts from initial idea through to volume production
• Collaborate with suppliers to deliver parts and assemblies that meet specifications, quality standards, and aggressive program timelines
• Define component specifications and develop accelerated test plans to validate designs against lifetime and durability requirements
• Design custom fixtures, test equipment, and calibration systems for both prototype development and production environments

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics 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.