New

Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Soft Goods & Exteriors, Optimus

Tesla Motors, Inc.
108,000 - 264,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Jun 18, 2026
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-leveragingTesla'sexpertisein 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 Soft Goods and Exteriors team designs the robot's skin and suit-everything you can see and feel. We work closely with the Tesla Design Studio to create a futuristicand inspiringaesthetic while respecting the human form. Achieving this vision requires relentless innovation in flexible materials, textiles, and fabrication processes capable of reaching massivescalewith exceptional quality. What You'll Do Design and develop the robot's external skin, clothing, and accessories, balancing aesthetics, tactile feel, durability, and human-like proportions in close collaboration with the Tesla Design Studio Research, select, and innovate with flexible materials-including textiles, foams, and elastomers-to achieve the desired appearance, flexibility, and long-term performance under cost constraints Conduct material testing and characterization to validate performance attributes such as flexibility, abrasion resistance, environmental durability, and safety Perform tolerance analysis and develop alignment and attachment schemes to achieve precise craftsmanship targets in volume production Integrate soft exterior elements with the underlying mechanical structures, ensuring clean interfaces, proper fit, and compatibility with motion, sensors, and thermal requirements Rapidly prototype using a variety of methods (sewing, molding, bonding, 3D printing, etc.), iterate on designs, and drive concepts from early development through to volume manufacturing Develop specifications, quality standards, and inspection methods for soft goods components and finished assemblies Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to meet precise design specifications, optimize processes, and resolve production challenges while meeting cost and timeline targets Drive every phase of product launch, including part design, tooling design and Moldflow analysis, tool trials and validation, process certification, and quality approvals (cosmetic and dimensional) Collaboratewithmechanical,modeling,andAIteamstoensuretheexteriordesignenhancesoverallsystemperformanceanduserexperience What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical Engineering, MaterialsEngineering,or equivalent industry experience Experience shipping consumer-grade products at rates in the millions of units per year Deep knowledge of material science and high-volume manufacturing processes (injection molding, casting preferred) 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 in stretchable materials, stretchable & soft materials and fabrics also preferred Compensation and Benefits 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 Expected Compensation $108,000 - $264,000/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.