Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Hand, Optimus - Palo Alto [274456]

$108,000 - $264,000 yearly

Job Description

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.

The Role

  • 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
Anthony Antonucci

Qualifications

Relevant experience in Tesla AI; strong problem-solving skills; commitment to Tesla mission.

Immediate Fill

No