Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Tactile Sensing, Optimus

What To Expect Join the Tesla Optimus team and help build the future of general-purpose robotics. We are developing a highly capable, safe, and scalable humanoid robot designed to perform useful tasks in factories, homes, and beyond—leveraging Tesla’s expertise in AI, product design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our mission is to create a robot that can understand and interact with the real world at a level that transforms everyday life and unlocks new possibilities for humanity.

The Tactile Sensing team gives the robot a sense of touch. Closely integrated with the hand structures and kinematic design, our tactile sensors are among the most critical elements for enabling dexterous manipulation—the foundation of a truly useful robot. We develop a range of electromechanical sensing technologies, transforming cutting-edge research into scalable, production-ready solutions at massive volume.

Hiring engineers at all levels.

What You'll Do- Design, develop, and integrate tactile sensing systems that provide the robot with precise, high-resolution touch feedback for dexterous manipulation

• Derive requirements from first principles to achieve ambitious product-level functionality

• Translate component performance and form-factor requirements into precise dimensional and material specifications

• Design dynamic harnessing and interconnect solutions tightly integrated across hand structures and kinematic joints

• Research and evaluate emerging tactile sensing technologies, then transform cutting-edge concepts into robust, production-ready hardware

• Perform sensor characterization, calibration, and performance optimization to meet requirements for sensitivity, durability, and repeatability

• Rapidly prototype sensor designs using a variety of fabrication methods, iterate quickly based on test results, and drive concepts through to high-volume manufacturing

• Develop specifications, test protocols, and quality standards for tactile sensor components and fully integrated assemblies

• Design custom fixtures, test equipment, and calibration systems to support both prototype development and volume production environments

• Conduct reliability and environmental testing to validate sensor performance across the robot’s expected lifetime and operating conditions What You'll Bring- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience

• 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 with analysis software (MATLAB, ANSYS or equivalent)

• Deep knowledge of material science and high-volume manufacturing processes (electronics focused) Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > 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 Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible 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 (90 day waiting period)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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

• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels) Expected Compensation

$108,000 - $360,000/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.

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