Robotics Physics Modeling Engineer, Model Based Design, Optimus Tesla Motors, Inc. 140000 - 300000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Sep 25, 2026

What to Expect

Welcome to Tesla's Optimus Robotics Team, the epicenter of innovation, where we're not just designing humanoid bi-pedal robots like the Tesla Bot; we're creating a revolution in automation for repetitive tasks and pioneering wheeled robots for manufacturing and autonomous logistics. Join us in this thrilling journey, where you'll find yourself at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing engineering disciplines, working collaboratively to drive the future of robotics. You will be at the forefront of groundbreaking developments, working on the core of robotics evolution. Your focus will be on model informed design and architecture development of robots that set new standards for performance. You'll be empowered to optimize powertrains, innovate linkages, and enhance the capabilities of robotic limbs, all with an eye on efficient mass production. What You'll Do

Robot physics-based modelling

Model-based design, architecture development, and robot controller development

Conceptual design of biped robots

Accurate modeling of kinematic chains

Accurate modeling of system dynamics

Abstraction and conversion of joint mechanisms into rigid body trees

Physics/model representations of joints, limbs etc and improving sim to real transfer

Model-informed design supporting new mechanism development

Measurement and matching of model and measurement for low real to sim gap

Complex controls simplification for fast analysis What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability

4+ years' experience with system model development, controller co-simulation, and validation

Experience in developing from scratch physics-based multibody system models of electro-mechanical systems comprising several parts

Analysis skills including statics, multibody dynamics, vibration, kinematics, stress, fatigue and thermal analyses; proficency in multibody dynamics modeling and simulation of robotics systems preferred

Experience, understanding, and intuition for the physics of basic electric propulsion, motion control systems, and heat transfer

Good knowledge in control systems including, motor controls, model-based design, linear systems analysis and stability

Modeling knowledge in kinematics, inverse/forward dynamics, position control, torque control etc.

Familiarity with basic design of electric motors, power electronics & control circuits

Good understanding of gear reduction mechanisms including belt drives, harmonic drives, linear drives, planetary drives, etc.

Proficiency in open-source robotics solvers and incorporating customized models to open-source and in-house tools to inform design; strong programming skills in C++ or Python (both preferred)

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

$140,000 - $300,000/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.