Mechanical Design Engineer, Robotics Plastic, Optimus

Tesla Motors, Inc.
88,000 - 228,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Aug 05, 2025
What to Expect The Tesla Robotics Team designs and builds humanoid bi-pedal robots (Optimus) to perform tasks that are boring, repetitive, and dangerous for humans. The team joins mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing engineering disciplines in a highly collaborative team. We are seeking talented Mechanical Design Engineers to play a role in building this ambitious vision into reality. There will be an emphasis on creative problem-solving abilities and technical rigor for this role. What You'll Do Design mechanical components and assemblies with a heavy emphasis on achieving acute precision through high-volume production methods Determinecomponent-level mechanical requirements (e.g.stiffness, strength) from functional product specs Apply analytical methods including calculations and simulations for the design and optimization of structures and mechanical components Perform tolerance analysis (including process variability, environmental and material aging) todeterminesystemimpactsof assembly fits and backlash Perform material and processselectionfor high-volume productiondeterminedby considerations of mechanical properties, dimensional capability, cosmetics,costand supply-chain stability, etc. Work directly with injection molding suppliers and tool designers to adapt part designs for manufacturability based on material and process constraints Actively drive every phase of product launch including part design, tool design/Moldflow, tool trial and validation, process certification and quality approvals (including cosmetic and dimensional specifications) Conduct should-cost analysis todeterminethe fair price of goods from fundamental raw materials through value-adding processing steps including labor andlogistics Manage suppliers to execute projects according to precise design specifications and ambitious timeline commitments What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, or equivalent industry experience Experience shipping consumer-grade products at rates in the millions of units per year (injection molding preferred) Deep knowledge of material science and high-volume manufacturing processes (injection molding, casting preferred) Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred) Proficiency in drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T required) Experience in stretchable materials, stretchable & soft materials and fabrics also preferred Compensation and Benefits Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire: 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 options with a $0 paycheck contribution Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 Expected Compensation $88,000 - $228,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + 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.