Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Automation, Optimus

What To Expect

The manufacturing automation development engineering team is looking for a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to concept, design, build, and ramp custom automated manufacturing equipment for the Optimus Programs at Tesla’s world‑class facilities. Tesla is a demanding and fast‑paced environment where you will directly own high‑impact projects, developing a new generation of leading‑edge manufacturing equipment. The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer works within a cross‑functional organization to design, build, validate, and roll‑out equipment to the manufacturing production lines.

• Own projects through their entire lifecycle, from initial concept generation through assembly and production bring‑up.
• Prepare overall machine design concepts for custom designed, special purpose equipment and systems.
• Detail machine design of custom automated tooling, fixtures, mechanisms, robotic end‑of‑arm tooling.
• Detailed engineering analysis of custom mechanical components including hand calcs and FEA.
• Selection and integration of commercial components, sensors, servos, pneumatic actuators, etc.
• Conduct design reviews for internal team feedback and for cross‑functional presentations.
• Be a liaison between product design engineering and manufacturing production departments.
• Create detailed drawings and coordinate with internal and external machine shops to fabricate custom machined parts, weldments, and sheet metal components.
• Work with technician teams to assemble and commission new equipment.
• Validate equipment performance and reliability. Create comprehensive equipment handover packages and system documentation.

• 5 or more years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer.
• Experience with Solid Works CAD and PDM software.
• Experience with automation equipment design and custom machine‑building.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes (e.g., assembly, fastening, dispensing, laser welding, electrical testing).
• Strong understanding of drafting standards and the application of GD&T (e.g., ASME Y14.5).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

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