Internship, Robotics Technical Program Manager, Optimus Hardware (Winter/Spring 2027)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

• This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 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.

About the Team:

The Optimus team is seeking a passionate intern to take part in driving hardware development. The Technical Program Manager’s core responsibility will be managing execution for new hardware development, testing, industrialization, design improvements, and industrialization. This individual will support the Engineering team by organizing and tracking all relevant schedules and metrics across active hardware projects. They will also be the team’s central owner for specific hardware subsystem project plans, and work with Global Sourcing, Supplier Industrialization, and Tesla suppliers to ensure production demand is met and drive escalation and resolution for any risks to schedule. In addition to exceptional organization skills, the TPM must also utilize strong technical skills to work in depth with multiple engineering teams to organize technical reviews, testing, and validation planning. They are expected to have a working understanding of electromechanical actuator design, testing, manufacturing, assembly, and a clear understanding of relevant technical risks.

What You’ll Do

• Create, own, and manage design, build, industrialization, and test plans across multiple hardware development projects and communicate and resolve issues
• Central point of contact for specific hardware development, testing, and industrialization plans
• Coordinate with cross functional teams on multiple continents to prioritize and manage high-impact changes and drive improvements to all relevant project schedules
• Track and maintain key components and program metrics including cost, reliability, mass, and performance to schedule
• Lead development of design, testing and validation timelines, DFMEAs, and DFMs
• Manage prototype sourcing and logistics for early-stage program needs
• Facilitate logistics and tracking for priority projects including shipment of prototype parts and test units amongst internal, supplier, and external test sites
• Collaborate with Engineering Part and System owners on Product updates and ensure all changes are well-documented and efficiently implemented

What You’ll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or a related field

• Prior program management experience or managing a team, such as FSAE, Hyperloop, etc.

• Desired to be proficient in Microsoft Office, JIRA, Confluence, and Git

• Experience in leading teams, and proven ability to drive initiatives to conclusion

• Proactive, highly organized, and detail oriented, with strong technical communication ability - able to drive improvements across a global interdisciplinary team