Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, Gears, Optimus - Palo Alto [264636]

$108,000 - $264,000 yearly

Job Description

Tesla’s actuator team designs and builds actuators for humanoid bi-pedal robots (Tesla Bot). The team integrates mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic engineering disciplines in a collaborative environment.

This role focuses on the design, optimization, and industrialization of high-performance gear systems for electromechanical actuators. You will contribute to gear design efforts to achieve exceptional torque density, efficiency, and reliability in rotary and linear actuator applications.

The Role

  • Design and optimize gear trains for torque and force density in rotary/linear actuator systems
  • Collaborate with electromagnetic motor teams to align gear systems with motor performance goals
  • Evaluate and implement advanced gear technologies (e.g., planetary, cycloidal, harmonic drives) for efficiency and reliability
  • Develop prototypes for validating gear system performance under dynamic loads
  • Conduct thermal, stress, and wear analysis to ensure gear durability and reliability
  • Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to refine gear production processes
  • Troubleshoot and resolve gear-related performance issues during prototyping and production
  • Document gear design specifications and test results for iterative improvement
  • Explore novel gear configurations to reduce weight, cost, and complexity
  • Support validation of gear systems against actuator-level efficiency and torque requirements

Requirements

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with expertise in gear design, or equivalent experience (advanced degree preferred)
  • 3+ years designing rotary/linear gear systems for high-torque electromechanical applications
  • Proven experience in gear train optimization for efficiency, durability, and force density
  • Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) for gear system design
  • Deep understanding of planetary, cycloidal, harmonic, and ball screw gear mechanisms
Anthony Antonucci

Qualifications

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

Immediate Fill

No