Internship, Actuator Geartrain Mechanical Engineer, Optimus – Tesla – Langley, BC

Tesla is looking for a motivated engineering student to join the Optimus robot team in Langley, British Columbia this summer. As an Actuator Geartrain Mechanical Engineering Intern, you’ll be embedded in a cutting-edge R&D environment, contributing directly to the development of the next generation of robotic actuators that power the Tesla Bot.

This isn’t your average internship. You’ll be working alongside engineers and researchers on groundbreaking geartrain manufacturing technology, from designing tooling and fixtures to running physical tests on actuator assemblies. If you’re passionate about mechanical design, prototyping, and applying engineering fundamentals to real-world robotics problems, this role is worth a close look.

About the Role: Actuator Geartrain Mechanical Engineering Intern

As part of Tesla’s Optimus team, the intern will focus on mechanical design of tooling and fixtures used in geartrain manufacturing processes, as well as supporting the development of new R&D manufacturing cells. You’ll get hands-on experience with assembly builds, process validation, and mathematical modelling and simulation of manufacturing workflows.

The role requires active participation in a full-time, on-site schedule of 40 hours per week at the Langley facility, starting in May 2026 and running through approximately August 2026. This position is open to students who are currently enrolled in an academic programme. International students on CPT should confirm their ability to work full-time hours with their institution before applying.

Benefits and Salary

Tesla’s internship programme is designed to give students a meaningful experience working on projects that are critical to the team’s success. Interns gain direct exposure to advanced robotics and manufacturing technology, mentorship from experienced engineers, and professional development opportunities throughout the term.

Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll take on hands-on engineering tasks that directly support the Optimus actuator geartrain development programme. The work spans design, fabrication, testing, and validation — giving you a well-rounded view of what it takes to bring next-generation robotic hardware from concept to reality.

• Design tooling and fixtures used in the manufacturing processes of geartrain gearboxes
• Develop new manufacturing cells within an R&D environment
• Create concept processes intended for use in R&D manufacturing workflows
• Test and qualify manufacturing process setups and inspect components for compliance
• Build assemblies for process development and validate their performance
• Prototype and test actuator systems and related components

Requirements / Skills

The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline and brings a solid foundation in mechanical design principles. Tesla values candidates who can apply first-principles thinking to solve complex design challenges and who are comfortable working with both software tools and physical hardware in the lab.

• Currently enrolled in a degree programme in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Strong engineering fundamentals including stress-strain, thermal, tolerance, cost, and mass optimization analysis
• Proficient CAD skills in CATIA or SolidWorks
• Programming experience in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python (preferred)
• Hands-on experience with actuator and component testing (motors, gears, sensors) is an asset
• Physical testing experience with mechanical, electrical, and electrotechnical systems
• Dynamometer testing knowledge, including use of torque transducers, power analyzers, and oscilloscopes
• Working understanding of servo control (torque, speed, and position control)
• Basic fabrication skills including machining, wiring, general electronics, and debugging

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and tailored to highlight relevant coursework, lab experience, and CAD or programming skills before submitting.

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