Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus Electronics

About the role

• Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus Electronics | Tesla (Tesla SI)
• Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 274350 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla is building Optimus, a highly capable, safe humanoid robot that will transform work in factories and homes. We’re seeking a driven Mechanical Design Engineer to join the SI & Electronics Product Design team.

In this role, you will own the mechanical design and integration of critical compute, connectivity, audio, and similar modules—foundational systems that power the robot’s intelligence and real-world performance.

What You'll Do

• Own end-to-end mechanical design of electronic modules (compute, connectivity, audio, and related hardware) from concept through detailed design, prototyping, validation, and production release
• Collaborate closely with electrical, firmware, software, and systems teams to define requirements and deliver robust solutions
• Drive mechanical design and integration of electronics into the robot while optimizing performance, structural integrity, weight, manufacturability, etc.
• Research emerging electronics technologies – from silicon to interconnects - and translate cutting-edge concepts to production-ready hardware
• Create detailed CAD models, 2D drawings with GD&T, tolerance analyses, and FEA/simulations; lead DFM reviews with suppliers and support tooling
• Develop and execute test plans; conduct engineering validation, reliability, and environmental testing; and analyze results to drive design improvements

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• Strong CAD skills (CATIA preferred) and experience designing injection-molded, sheet-metal, cast parts, etc.
• Proficiency with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and first-principles engineering (thermal, structural, cost/mass optimization)
• Proficiency in data visualization and statistical analysis
• Familiarity with electronics packaging, PCBAs, and thermal design fundamentals
• 3-6 years of experience taking hardware from concept to production
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills

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$136,000 - $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.