Robotics Electrical Design Engineer, Tactile Sensing, Optimus

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—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 Tactile Sensing team gives the robot a sense of touch. Closely integrated with the hand structures and kinematic design, our tactile sensors are among the most critical elements for enabling dexterous manipulation—the foundation of a truly useful robot. We develop a range of electromechanical sensing technologies, transforming cutting-edge research into scalable, production-ready solutions at massive volume.

What You'll Do

Design, develop, and integrate tactile sensing systems that provide the robot with precise, high-resolution touch feedback for dexterous manipulation

Derive requirements from first principles to achieve ambitious product-level functionality

Translate component performance and form-factor requirements into precise dimensional and material specifications

Design dynamic harnessing and interconnect solutions tightly integrated across hand structures and kinematic joints

Research and evaluate emerging tactile sensing technologies, then transform cutting-edge concepts into robust, production-ready hardware

Perform sensor characterization, calibration, and performance optimization to meet requirements for sensitivity, durability, and repeatability

Rapidly prototype sensor designs using a variety of fabrication methods, iterate quickly based on test results, and drive concepts through to high-volume manufacturing

Develop specifications, test protocols, and quality standards for tactile sensor components and fully integrated assemblies

Design custom fixtures, test equipment, and calibration systems to support both prototype development and volume production environments

Conduct reliability and environmental testing to validate sensor performance across the robot’s expected lifetime and operating conditions

What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience

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 with analysis software (MATLAB, ANSYS or equivalent)

Deep knowledge of material science and high-volume manufacturing processes (electronics focused)

Benefits
Compensation and 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 - $240,000/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.

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