About the role#
As an intern on the Optimus Actuator Design team, you will contribute to the development of electromechanical actuators that power the Optimus humanoid robot. You will work alongside engineers to design, build, and test components in a hands-on environment.
What you'll do#
- Create CAD designs for new actuator components.
- Assemble and test physical prototypes.
- Develop test scripts and actuator models using Python and Matlab.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related degree program.
- An expected graduation date between August 2027 and December 2027.
- Strong CAD skills using CATIA or Solidworks.
- Experience with mechanical design, including part optimization, design for manufacturing, drawings, and GD&T.
- Knowledge of FEA for part design and optimization.
- Proficiency in Python or Matlab for data structures, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solvers.
- Practical experience with machining, shop work, or 3D printed part design.
- Experience testing actuators and components like motors, gears, and sensors.
- A problem-solving approach based on first principles.
- Strong communication skills and curiosity.
- Experience in Robotics or Control Theory is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, on-site.
- Duration: Minimum of 12 weeks.
- Compensation: Paid internship.
About Tesla
Tesla produces electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, the company operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and employs over 10,000 people. The organization designs, manufactures, sells, and services its products internally.
How to get in at Tesla
Applying early at Tesla provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates.
