Internship, Technical Program Manager, Optimus (Fall 2026)
Tesla, Palo Alto, CA, United States
What to Expect
Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through the summer term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full‑time (40 hours/week) and on‑site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full‑time positions, not internships.
International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on‑site. Many students will be limited to part‑time during the academic year.
About the Team
The Optimus team is seeking a passionate intern to take part in driving hardware development. The Technical Program Manager’s core responsibility will be managing execution for new hardware development, testing, industrialization, design improvements, and industrialization. This individual will support the Engineering team by organizing and tracking all relevant schedules and metrics across active hardware projects. They will also be the team’s central owner for specific hardware subsystem project plans, and work with Global Sourcing, Supplier Industrialization, and Tesla suppliers to ensure production demand is met and drive escalation and resolution for any risks to schedule. In addition to exceptional organization skills, the TPM must also utilize strong technical skills to work in depth with multiple engineering teams to organize technical reviews, testing, and validation planning. They are expected to have a working understanding of electromechanical actuator design, testing, manufacturing, assembly, and a clear understanding of relevant technical risks.
What You’ll Do
Create, own, and manage design, build, industrialization, and test plans across multiple hardware development projects and communicate and resolve issues
Central point of contact for specific hardware development, testing, and industrialization plans
Coordinate with cross functional teams on multiple continents to prioritize and manage high‑impact changes and drive improvements to all relevant project schedules
Track and maintain key components and program metrics including cost, reliability, mass, and performance to schedule
Lead development of design, testing and validation timelines, DFMEAs, and DFMs
Manage prototype sourcing and logistics for early‑stage program needs
Facilitate logistics and tracking for priority projects including shipment of prototype parts and test units amongst internal, supplier, and external test sites
Collaborate with Engineering Part and System owners on Product updates and ensure all changes are well‑documented and efficiently implemented
What You’ll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related field
Prior program management experience or managing a team, such as FSAE, Hyperloop, etc.
Desired to be proficient in Microsoft Office, JIRA, Confluence, and Git
Experience in leading teams, and proven ability to drive initiatives to conclusion
Proactive, highly organized, and detail oriented, with strong technical communication ability – able to drive improvements across a global interdisciplinary team
Benefits
Medical plans – plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family‑building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans – both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
Company paid Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short‑term disability insurance (90‑day waiting period)
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
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation
$20.00 – $45.00/hour + 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.
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Consider before submitting an application:
This position is expected to start August or September 2026 and continue through the summer term (ending approximately December 2026) or continuing into Winter/Spring 2027 if available and there is an opportunity to do so. We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full‑time (40 hours/week) and on‑site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full‑time positions, not internships.
International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on‑site. Many students will be limited to part‑time during the academic year.
About the Team
The Optimus team is seeking a passionate intern to take part in driving hardware development. The Technical Program Manager’s core responsibility will be managing execution for new hardware development, testing, industrialization, design improvements, and industrialization. This individual will support the Engineering team by organizing and tracking all relevant schedules and metrics across active hardware projects. They will also be the team’s central owner for specific hardware subsystem project plans, and work with Global Sourcing, Supplier Industrialization, and Tesla suppliers to ensure production demand is met and drive escalation and resolution for any risks to schedule. In addition to exceptional organization skills, the TPM must also utilize strong technical skills to work in depth with multiple engineering teams to organize technical reviews, testing, and validation planning. They are expected to have a working understanding of electromechanical actuator design, testing, manufacturing, assembly, and a clear understanding of relevant technical risks.
What You’ll Do
Create, own, and manage design, build, industrialization, and test plans across multiple hardware development projects and communicate and resolve issues
Central point of contact for specific hardware development, testing, and industrialization plans
Coordinate with cross functional teams on multiple continents to prioritize and manage high‑impact changes and drive improvements to all relevant project schedules
Track and maintain key components and program metrics including cost, reliability, mass, and performance to schedule
Lead development of design, testing and validation timelines, DFMEAs, and DFMs
Manage prototype sourcing and logistics for early‑stage program needs
Facilitate logistics and tracking for priority projects including shipment of prototype parts and test units amongst internal, supplier, and external test sites
Collaborate with Engineering Part and System owners on Product updates and ensure all changes are well‑documented and efficiently implemented
What You’ll Bring
Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related field
Prior program management experience or managing a team, such as FSAE, Hyperloop, etc.
Desired to be proficient in Microsoft Office, JIRA, Confluence, and Git
Experience in leading teams, and proven ability to drive initiatives to conclusion
Proactive, highly organized, and detail oriented, with strong technical communication ability – able to drive improvements across a global interdisciplinary team
Benefits
Medical plans – plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family‑building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans – both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
Company paid Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short‑term disability insurance (90‑day waiting period)
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
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation
$20.00 – $45.00/hour + 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.
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