Internship, Mechanical Design Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2026)

Tesla InternshipThis position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. 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.ResponsibilitiesDevelop designs in CAD for both detailed parts and master model assembliesPerform tolerance analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and other simulations and analyses before releasing designs for productionCreate 2D drawings appropriate for high-volume production and inspection methodsConduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews with suppliers and support tooling bring upDesign automated fixtures and calibration equipment for advanced robotics productsOwn the mechanical design of test equipment from concept to deploymentCreate, and interpret, electrical and pneumatic schematicsRequirementsCurrently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related fieldProficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred)Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T bonus)Strong intuition for structural optimization supported by FEA/hand calculationsGood electrical foundation with knowledge about gearbox, motor, inverter, wire harness designProgramming skills in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python are preferredAbility to prototype using fabrication, machining, and basic electronics/coding abilitiesExposure 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 PythonCompensation & BenefitsBenefitsAs a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deductionFamily-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefitsDental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contributionCompany Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSAHealthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefitsCompany Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)Employee Assistance ProgramSick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid HolidaysBack-up childcare and parenting support resourcesVoluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insuranceCommuter benefitsEmployee discounts and perks programExpected Compensation $20.00 - $55.00 + benefitsPay 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