Internship, Mechanical Design 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.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related field
Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred)

Nice To Haves

Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T bonus)
Strong intuition for structural optimization supported by FEA/hand calculations
Good electrical foundation with knowledge about gearbox, motor, inverter, wire harness design
Programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python are preferred
Ability to prototype using fabrication, machining, and basic electronics/coding abilities
Exposure to a wide variety of test systems, production machinery and hobbyist electronics (pogo-pins, industrial sensors, PLCs, pneumatics, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, etc.)
Exposure to SolidWorks, Altium, Golang and Python

Responsibilities

Develop designs in CAD for both detailed parts and master model assemblies
Perform tolerance analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and other simulations and analyses before releasing designs for production
Create 2D drawings appropriate for high-volume production and inspection methods
Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews with suppliers and support tooling bring up
Design automated fixtures and calibration equipment for advanced robotics products
Own the mechanical design of test equipment from concept to deployment
Create, and interpret, electrical and pneumatic schematics

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