Sr. Technical Animator, Optimus

Company: Tesla, Inc.
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Tesla is on a path to build humanoid robots at scale to automate repetitive and boring tasks. As a member of Tesla's Optimus Simulation team, you will be in a unique position to accelerate the pace at which the Optimus autonomy stack improves over time. The Optimus Simulation team is responsible for building core components to virtualize all aspects of Optimus, which in turn are used for understanding, testing bot functionality, and generating synthetic datasets for training deep neural nets. As a Technical Animator on the Optimus Simulation Team, you will play a key role in creating highly realistic robot motions and animations that aid in training neural network models that are deployed on the bot.What You'll Do

• 10+ years of experience in game development, animation, or a related field
• Proven expertise in motion matching systems and procedural animation techniques
• Extensive experience working with motion capture data, including cleaning, retargeting, and implementing in real-time engines
• Strong background in character animation, rigging, and physics-based movement
• Experience developing animation pipelines for AAA games or large-scale productions
• Strong background in kinematics (FK/IK), motion blending, and dynamic movement systemsWhat You'll Bring
  • Proficiency in scripting (Python, MEL) and working with animation tools
  • Strong understanding of real-time animation constraints and optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with machine learning and AI-driven animation techniques is a plus
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to optimize workflowsCompensation and BenefitsAlong 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 programExpected Compensation$96,000 - $276,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.Tesla is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.Privacy is a top priority for Tesla. We build it into our products and view it as an essential part of our business. To understand more about the data we collect and process as part of your application, please view our Tesla Talent Privacy Notice.
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Keywords: Tesla, Inc., Berkeley , Sr. Technical Animator, Optimus, IT / Software / Systems , Palo Alto, California