Source description

About the role

Build your Career at Tesla

Staff Cell Thermal Modeling Engineer

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a simulation expert to lead the technical execution and strategic direction of the Cell Thermal Modeling team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the technical authority for Tesla’s next-generation cell modeling efforts, bridging the gap between fundamental physics, cell design, and vehicle-level performance.

You will act as a primary technical lead, providing high-level guidance to unblock the team on complex theoretical challenges while managing project timelines and resource allocation across multiple high-priority programs. You will architect the transition toward first-principles, physics-based parameterization and ensure the team delivers critical insights that drive design decisions for both in-house and vendor cell programs.

What You’ll Do

Technical Leadership & Strategy: Define and enforce the technical standards for the team, specifically driving the methodological shift from empirical curve-fitting to physics-based component parameterization
Team Mentorship & "Unblocking": Serve as the primary technical escalation point for the team. Provide deep technical guidance to Senior Engineers to resolve roadblocks in numerical methods, code architecture, or complex thermal phenomena (e.g., hysteresis in non-ideal chemistries)
Program Management: Coordinate resources and prioritize tasks across conflicting deadlines for both external vendor programs and internal in-house cell development. Ensure modeling milestones align with critical vehicle program gates
Advanced Model Architecture: Architect the frameworks for automated validation and simulation workflows. Review and approve code structure (Python/MATLAB) and modeling methodologies to ensure scalability and transferability
Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the primary liaison between the thermal modeling team and Cell Design, Manufacturing, and Vehicle Systems teams. Translate high-level program goals into actionable modeling tasks
Design Influence: Proactively identify thermal risks and opportunities in early-stage designs. Lead feasibility studies for major architectural changes and material selections
Communication: Guide the team to synthesize complex technical data into clear, strategic recommendations for executive leadership and program managers

What You’ll Bring

Education: Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent experience
Experience: 7+ years of experience in physics-based thermal modeling or computational engineering, with a demonstrated track record of technical leadership
Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of numerical methods (optimization, ODEs/PDEs), heat transfer, and thermodynamics
Project Leadership: Proven track record of managing technical projects, creating timelines, and balancing resources in a resource-constrained, multi-project environment
Advanced architecture skills in Python, MATLAB, or Simulink (ability to review and guide code development)
Expertise in CAE packages (COMSOL preferred, or ANSYS-FLUENT/Star-CCM+)
Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to elevate the technical output of a team, mentor junior/senior engineers, and foster a collaborative, innovative culture
Mindset: A strategic thinker who can balance immediate "firefighting" on critical programs with long-term capability development

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
$128,000 - $228,000/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.

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.

For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this site click here to download a free compatible screen reader (free step by step tutorial can be found here). Please contact ADA@tesla.com for ADA related questions or to request ADA accommodations.

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.

More at Tesla