Thermal Hardware Validation Engineer, Optimus

Tesla Motors, Inc.
80,000 - 300,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Oct 11, 2025
What to Expect Tesla is at the forefront of developing humanoid robots, known as Optimus or Tesla Bot, on a large scale to revolutionize automation in manufacturing and material handling. By using advanced AI, Optimus will enable highly adaptable and autonomous operation. As part of our Robotic Hardware Validation team, we are seeking an exceptional Thermal Hardware Validation Engineer to play a critical role in testing and validating the Tesla Bot. You will design and implement comprehensive tests at system, sub-system and component levels, which will ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of our cutting-edge humanoid robot. As an entry-level engineer, you will take direction from senior engineers while assuming full responsibility for the tests you design and run, providing summaries directly to leadership. What You'll Do Work with design partners to create test plans Design and implement hardware test systems tofacilitate design characterization and reliability testing Operate robotic limbs, actuators, and PCBAs to meet test requirements Continuouslydrive electrical & thermalrisk burndown to ensureproduct design reliability and durability Analyze test data, identify issues and potential root causes of system failures, and proactively collaborate with responsible parties to drive resolution Document test procedures, results, and analysis clearly and concisely Collaborate cross-functionally with design, reliability, and manufacturing engineers to suggest design and/or process improvements and to address system durabilityissues What You'll Bring Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent experience Proven experience in designing and/or testing electrical or robotic systems Strong intuition or background in thermal testing or modeling heat transfer Experience with electrical and mechanical CAD tools (ex. Altium and Solidworks) Ability to use Python or MATLAB for test data interpretation. Preference for those with experience using version control systems (e.g. Git) Experience with selection and implementation of various electrical and thermal test equipment Proven ability to articulate technical concepts and issues clearly and understandably through documentation and presentations 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: 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 options with a $0 paycheck contribution Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 $80,000 - $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.