Internship, Robotics Motor Design Engineer, Optimus (Fall 2026) – Tesla – Langley, BC

Tesla’s Optimus Actuator Mechanical Test Team is looking for a motivated engineering student to join their team in Langley, British Columbia for a Fall 2026 internship. This is a hands-on role working at the cutting edge of robotics and electromechanical actuator testing, contributing directly to the development of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. If you’re passionate about robotics, mechanical systems, and real-world engineering challenges, this internship puts you right in the thick of it.

Day-to-day, you’ll be collaborating with experienced Design Engineers to develop and execute test plans, design test fixtures, analyze data, and help push actuator designs forward. This isn’t a passive observer role — you’ll be expected to contribute meaningfully to validation and qualification work that directly impacts the robot’s performance and reliability.

About the Role: Robotics Motor Design Engineer Intern (Optimus)

As an intern on the Optimus Actuator Mechanical Test Team, your work will centre on the test and validation of robotic actuators — from individual components like electric motors and geartrain assemblies all the way up to system-level robot testing. You’ll be involved in designing and fabricating test fixtures, running experiments on linear and rotary actuators, and writing detailed test reports based on your findings.

Beyond the technical work, this role requires strong collaboration skills. You’ll work closely with Design Engineers to refine actuator designs based on test results, investigate root causes of failures, and help implement improvements. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a hands-on mindset are essential to making a real impact on the team.

Benefits and Salary

Tesla’s internship program is designed to give students a genuine, immersive experience — not just coffee runs and shadowing. Interns are placed on critical projects and work alongside experienced mentors and managers. The program runs full-time (40 hours/week) on-site, providing meaningful professional and technical development. Specific compensation details are not listed in this posting, but Tesla internships are generally competitive within the engineering and tech sector.

Responsibilities

Working as part of the Optimus Actuator Mechanical Test Team, you’ll take on a broad range of engineering tasks spanning test planning, hardware fabrication, data analysis, and design feedback. These responsibilities are central to ensuring that Tesla’s robotic actuators meet rigorous performance and reliability standards before they ever make it into a finished robot.

• Collaborate closely with Design Engineers to create validation and qualification test plans for electromechanical robotic actuators
• Develop, implement, and execute test plans covering component, actuator, and system/robot levels
• Design and fabricate test fixtures and equipment for testing both linear and rotary actuators
• Perform component-level testing of electric motors and geartrain assemblies, as well as full actuator and robot-level testing
• Analyze test data and produce clear, detailed test reports summarizing findings
• Investigate root causes of failures and contribute to actuator design improvements
• Validate and refine actuator designs in collaboration with the engineering team

Requirements / Skills

Tesla is looking for engineering students who are both technically sharp and genuinely hands-on. The ideal candidate brings strong fundamentals in mechanical or related engineering disciplines, along with real experience working with physical systems and test equipment. Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment are just as important as your academic background.

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field, with a graduation date between 2026 and 2027
• Strong engineering fundamentals including first-principles analysis (stress-strain, thermal, tolerance, cost and mass optimization)
• Excellent CAD skills in CATIA or SolidWorks
• Programming proficiency in Matlab/Simulink and/or Python (preferred)
• Hands-on experience with actuator and component testing (motors, gears, sensors) is an asset
• Experience with dynamometer testing and associated equipment (torque transducers, power analyzers, oscilloscopes)
• Working understanding of servo control including torque, speed, and position control
• Basic fabrication skills — machining, wiring, general electronics, debugging, and parts sourcing

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official job posting using the link below and submit your application through Tesla’s careers portal. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects your relevant coursework, technical skills, and any hands-on project or lab experience before submitting.

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