Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Hand, Optimus

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 robot is only as useful as the hand itself. To deliver true human-like dexterity in a human-scale form factor, the Hand team integrates high-performance sensors, actuators, and mechanisms into an extremely compact package — all while ensuring the durability needed for both strenuous labor and precise manipulation. Hiring engineers at all levels.

Responsibilities

Design durable structures and mechanisms that deliver the complex kinematic capabilities of a human hand while integrating sensors, actuation, and compliance elements Perform detailed kinematic analysis, mechanism optimization, and tolerance stack-ups to achieve precise motion, high force output, and repeatability Derive loads and conduct stress analysis to determine sizing of bearings, linkages, and fastened joints Test, relentlessly iterate, and optimize tendon and electrical interconnect designs for reliability across all potential failure modes Rapidly prototype complex hand mechanisms using a variety of fabrication methods, iterate quickly, and drive designs from concept through to high-volume production Develop specifications, test protocols, and quality standards for hand mechanisms, subassemblies, and fully integrated hands Collaborate closely with actuator, tactile sensing, firmware, and AI teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware and sensing systems Design custom fixtures, test rigs, and calibration equipment to support both prototype development and volume manufacturing Conduct reliability, durability, and environmental testing to validate performance across the full range of expected operating conditions Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to scale production while meeting aggressive cost, quality, and timeline targets

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred) Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T bonus) Hands-on experience building and testing prototypes, with a track record of driving designs into production Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment