Internship, Actuator Test Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2027)

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start January 2027 and continue through the entire Winter/Spring term (i.e through April/May 2026) or into Summer 2027 if available. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most 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 with a graduation date between May 2027 - December 2027
• 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