Internship, Actuator Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026)

Company: Tesla Motors
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: December 30, 2025

Job Description:

What to Expect Consider before submitting an application: This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships. International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year. The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their manager, mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their teams success. During your internship for the Optimus Actuator Design Team at Tesla, you will be working on interesting new robotic electromechanical actuator designs that power Teslas Optimus humanoid robot. We are seeking driven and accomplished engineering student candidates who will thrive in a fast paced and engaging design environment. What Youll Do CAD design of actuator components Prototype assembling and testing Python and Matlab test script and actuator model development What Youll Bring Excellent CAD skills in (CATIA or Solidworks) Mechanical design experience, both in part optimization and design for manufacturing (design, drawings, GDT) Experience with FEA based part design and optimization Python/Matlab knowledge, both in data structure management, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solvers Handy, with previous machining/shop experience / 3D printed part design experience Hands on actuator and component (motor, gear, sensors) testing Problem solving with first principles thinking Experience in Robotics is preferred Experience in Control Theory with basic understanding of motor and motion control is preferred Curious and communicative Compensation and Benefits Benefits As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for: Aetna PPO and HSA plans 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits Company Paid Basic Life, ADD, and short-term disability insurance Employee Assistance Program Sick time after 90 days of employment 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 Commuter benefits Employee discounts and perks program Expected Compensation $20.00 - $55.00 benefits Pay 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. Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this site click here to download a free compatible screen reader (free step by step tutorial can be found here ). Please contact ADA@tesla.com for additional information or to request accommodations. Privacy is a top priority for Tesla. We build it into our products and view it as an essential part of our business. To understand more about the data we collect and process as part of your application, please view our Tesla Talent Privacy Notice . SPCareers

Keywords: Tesla Motors, Vallejo , Internship, Actuator Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026), Engineering , Palo Alto, California