Internship, Sensor Hardware Design Engineer, Optimus (Winter/Spring 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start around January 2026 and continue through the Winter/Spring term (ending approximately May 2026) or continuing into Summer 2026 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their manager, mentor, and team. We are dedicated to providing an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team's success.

• Drive the design and execution of sensing subsystems through specific generation, collaboration, architecture defintion, schematic design, PCB Layout, BOM definition, prototyping, validation, qualification and production
• Support cross-functional sensor design discussions with electrical, software, supply chain, manufacturing, thermal, and mechanical teams and translate sensor design discussions into design documents in the form of system block diagrams, functional and performance requirements
• Use EDA tools to define the electrical components and their connectivity and supervise the generation of board design files through all design phases
• Work with the supply chain team to ensure components will meet performance, cost & manufacturing requirements, support early sensor prototype development to de-risk new technologies and generate/execute the test plan that includes milestones that focus on de-risking product and/or feature deployment and align with the program timeline
• Ensure the hardware meets required design criteria across a host of environments and regulations while collaborating with the reliability, test and homologation teams and work with manufacturing/test teams and suppliers to achieve high-volume mass production with high yield
• Understand and debug hardware and software interactions from prototyping through product launch and manage priorities and support a host of projects simultaneously

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics,Mechatronicsor a related field

• Proficiencyin designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (CATIA preferred)

• Good electrical foundation with knowledge about gearbox, motor, inverter, wire harness design

• Programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python are preferred

• Ability to prototype using fabrication, machining, and basic electronics/coding abilities

• Exposure to a wide variety of test systems, production machinery and hobbyist electronics (pogo-pins, industrial sensors, PLCs, pneumatics, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, etc.)

• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stacks, design for manufacturing/automation/test/reliability (DFM/DFA/DFT/DFR). Experience with DFMEA and PFMEA

• Basic understanding of electrical design fundamentals, as well as familiarity with PCBAs and PCBA components

• Analytical background for successful design (tolerance stack-ups, solid mechanics, thermal, cost and mass optimization)

• Experience with FFC's, FPC's, and rigid-flex technologies preferred

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick time after 90 days of employment 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
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

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.