Internship, Manufacturing Engineering, Optimus (Winter/ Spring 2027)

About the role

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2027) or into Summer 2027 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most internships. International students: if your work authorization is through CPT, 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.

The internship program is for students actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

About Optimus Manufacturing Engineering

Tesla is seeking highly motivated engineering students who thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to apply robotics and engineering concepts to real-world projects. Interns on the Optimus team work directly with full-time engineers to design, prototype, test, and launch new systems and processes that bring Tesla's humanoid robot to life. Projects include electromechanical actuators, robotic subsystems, advanced test methodologies, automated manufacturing systems, and full robot integration.

Responsibilities

Your application will be considered across a range of opportunities within the Optimus Manufacturing Engineering organization, including but not limited to:

• Body Manufacturing Engineering
• Bot Assembly
• Joining Engineering
• Optimus Hardware Validation
• Plastics Engineering
• Robotics Actuator Testing
• Robotics Manufacturing Actuators
• Stamping & Tooling Engineering
• Systems Engineering, Actuator Test

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Hands-on experience is a must
• Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals
• Proficient with computer-aided design (CAD) software such as CATIA or SOLIDWORKS
• Experience with semi-automated/automated manufacturing equipment
• Experience with design of tooling, jigs, and fixtures
• Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Understanding of Geometric Design & Tolerance (GD&T)
• Proficiency in Python for automation, data processing, and instrument control
• Hands-on experience with test equipment and data acquisition systems
• Passion for humanoid robotics, robotics innovation, and real-world engineering challenges
• Strong problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-moving, collaborative environment

Benefits

• Medical plans with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans with a $0 payroll contribution option
• 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, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90-day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and vacation time (flex time for salary positions) and paid holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Pay

Expected compensation: $20.00 - $50.00/hour + benefits. Pay offered may vary depending on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.