Internship, Robotics Modeling & Simulation Engineer, Optimus (Summer 2026)

Tesla•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$20 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) 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 team’s success. Work on the architecture and controls for per-joint level systems Robot modelling architecture Simulator computation efficiency improvement for CPU/GPU architectures Abstraction and conversion of joint mechanisms into rigid body trees Accurate modeling of kinematic chains Conceptual design of biped robots Physics/model representations of joints, limbs Testing of reinforcement learning control policies (simulation and real) Measurement and matching of model and simulation Design and support of new mechanism

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field
Experience with controls system development, modeling, and implementation
Background in linear systems analysis, stability, and controller design
Experience, understanding, and intuition for the physics of basic electric propulsion, motion control systems, and heat transfer
Knowledge in control systems including, spring loaded inverted pendulum, zero momentum control, model predictive control, Motor controls, etc. Modeling knowledge in inverse kinematics, inverse/forward dynamics, impedance control, torque control, etc.
Knowledge in control systems including spring loaded inverted pendulum, Zero Momentum Control, Model Predictive Control, Motor controls, etc.
Modeling knowledge in inverse kinematics, inverse/forward dynamics, impedance control, torque control, etc. Fluent with spatial vector arithmetic
Basic design of electric motors & power electronics & control circuits
Familiar with gear reduction mechanisms including Planetary, Belt drives, Harmonics Drives, Magnetic Gears, etc.
Excellent skills in Python and C++, Matlab/Simulink
Experience coding in a collaborative environment (GitHub)

Nice To Haves

Bonus: skills in CAD (CATIA, NX, Inventor, Solid Works, etc.)

Responsibilities

Work on the architecture and controls for per-joint level systems
Robot modelling architecture
Simulator computation efficiency improvement for CPU/GPU architectures
Abstraction and conversion of joint mechanisms into rigid body trees
Accurate modeling of kinematic chains
Conceptual design of biped robots
Physics/model representations of joints, limbs
Testing of reinforcement learning control policies (simulation and real)
Measurement and matching of model and simulation
Design and support of new mechanism

Benefits

Medical plans > 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, 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 to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program