Internship, Actuator Mechanical Test Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026)
About the role
What To Expect Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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.
During your internship for the Optimus Actuator Mechanical Test Team at Tesla, you will be responsible for the test and validation of robotic actuators. We are seeking driven and accomplished engineering student candidates who will thrive in a fast paced and engaging design environment.
What You'll Do- Work closely with Design Engineers to create validation and qualification test plans
- Develop, implement, execute test plans for electromechanical robotic actuators
- Design and fabricate test fixtures and equipment for testing linear and rotary actuators
- Perform component (electric motor and geartrain) level testing, actuator level, and system/robot level testing of geared electromechanical actuators
- Work with Design Engineers to validate and refine actuator designs
- Analyze test data and write test reports
- Investigate root cause of failures and help drive actuator design improvements What You'll Bring- Currently pursuing a degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related field
- Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform first-principles analysis to ensure a successful design (stress-strain, thermal, tolerance, cost and mass optimization, etc.)
- Excellent CAD skills in (CATIA or Solidworks)
- Programming skills in Matlab/Simulink and/or Python are preferred
- Hands on actuator and component (motor, gear, sensors) testing is preferred
- Experience in physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electrotechnical systems
- Experience in dynamometer testing and equipment (torque transducers, power analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
- Working understanding of servo control (torque, speed, and position control)
- Basic fabrication, machining, wiring, general electronics, debugging, and parts chasing , Tesla
About Tesla
Our mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. With global temperatures rising, the faster we free ourselves from fossil fuel reliance and achieve a zero-emission future, the better.
In pursuit of this mission, we make electric vehicles that are not just great EVs, but the best cars, period. We also produce and install infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage products that help our customers further decrease their environmental impact. When it comes to achieving our goals, we pride ourselves in accomplishing what others deem impossible.
We are opening new factories and increasing our output everyday – join us in building a sustainable future.
Internship, Actuator Mechanical Test Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026)
About the role
What To Expect Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time 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.
During your internship for the Optimus Actuator Mechanical Test Team at Tesla, you will be responsible for the test and validation of robotic actuators. We are seeking driven and accomplished engineering student candidates who will thrive in a fast paced and engaging design environment.
What You'll Do- Work closely with Design Engineers to create validation and qualification test plans
- Develop, implement, execute test plans for electromechanical robotic actuators
- Design and fabricate test fixtures and equipment for testing linear and rotary actuators
- Perform component (electric motor and geartrain) level testing, actuator level, and system/robot level testing of geared electromechanical actuators
- Work with Design Engineers to validate and refine actuator designs
- Analyze test data and write test reports
- Investigate root cause of failures and help drive actuator design improvements What You'll Bring- Currently pursuing a degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related field
- Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform first-principles analysis to ensure a successful design (stress-strain, thermal, tolerance, cost and mass optimization, etc.)
- Excellent CAD skills in (CATIA or Solidworks)
- Programming skills in Matlab/Simulink and/or Python are preferred
- Hands on actuator and component (motor, gear, sensors) testing is preferred
- Experience in physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electrotechnical systems
- Experience in dynamometer testing and equipment (torque transducers, power analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.)
- Working understanding of servo control (torque, speed, and position control)
- Basic fabrication, machining, wiring, general electronics, debugging, and parts chasing , Tesla
About Tesla
Our mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. With global temperatures rising, the faster we free ourselves from fossil fuel reliance and achieve a zero-emission future, the better.
In pursuit of this mission, we make electric vehicles that are not just great EVs, but the best cars, period. We also produce and install infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage products that help our customers further decrease their environmental impact. When it comes to achieving our goals, we pride ourselves in accomplishing what others deem impossible.
We are opening new factories and increasing our output everyday – join us in building a sustainable future.