Staff Robotics Manufacturing Engineer, Optimus General Assembly, Process Development Tesla Motors, Inc. 130,400 - 234,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Aug 05, 2026
What to Expect
Tesla is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to spearhead process development for Optimus humanoid robot. In this role you will collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, and Automation teams to optimize designs for manufacturability, and develop innovative manufacturing processes that will enable high volume production. What You'll Do
Design and build early-stage prototype equipment to solve novel assembly challenges
Define, characterize, and validate critical process parameters for new assembly methods
Lead failure mode analysis (e.g., PFMEA) to drive robust, production-ready equipment and processes
Plan and run designed experiments (DOE) to improve process capability, yield, and cycle time
Partner with product design to influence scalable architectures that are manufacturable at volume
Develop and iterate process recipes, fixtures, tooling, and test methods through rapid prototyping cycles
Identify fundamental manufacturing constraints and engineer solutions that expand design and process options
Collaborate with automation teams to transfer, design, qualify, and launch processes into high-volume production. What You'll Bring
Degree in Engineering, or equivalent experience
5+ years in early-stage process development and prototyping for complex electro-mechanical systems
Hands-on expertise automating assembly of soft goods and compliant materials (e.g., wire harnesses, plastics, knits)
Proven experience optimizing electrical interfaces for automated assembly in consumer electronics or a related industry
Demonstrated success developing new manufacturing processes that materially shift production capability or paradigms
Ability to apply first-principles problem-solving to novel manufacturing challenges
Strong working knowledge of GD&T, with practical application in fixture, tooling, and process design
Deep experience applying Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills
Willingness to travel up to 35% to Tesla factories and automation vendors Compensation and Benefits
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
$130,400 - $234,000/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.