Thermal System Engineer, Drive Systems

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Thermal System Engineer, Drive Systems

| Job Category | Engineering & Information Technology | | Location | Palo Alto, California | | Req. ID | 272145 | | Job Type | Full-time |

What to Expect

The Drive Systems Engineering team is seeking an exceptional Thermal System Engineer to design and advance the thermal system at the heart of our electric drive units.

In this role, you will own the full lifecycle — from physics-based model development through empirical validation. You will push the boundaries of what is physically achievable, validating every assumption against real-world data and driving relentless improvement from first prototype to millions of units on the road.

This role demands more than technical depth. You'll operate at the forefront of electrified powertrain development, tackling problems that don't have textbook answers, alongside engineers who are among the best in the world at what they do. You will work side by side with design, hardware, manufacturing, and test engineers in a flat, highly collaborative organization where technical contribution is expected at every level. Projects are often open-ended, and the ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, moves fast, and takes ownership.

You must want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company. Our engineering teams move fast, collaborate across disciplines, and keep the org flat so that technical contribution matters at every level. You'll work alongside world-class engineers on some of the most consequential automotive programs in existence — and you'll be expected to challenge convention, take ownership, and push boundaries. We build real products that redefine the industry - this must excite you.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and maintain core thermal models for the electric drive unit, traction motor, and drive inverter
• Develop models and requirements for cooling and lubrication components like heat exchangers and pumps
• Partner with firmware, design, and test engineers to bring new technologies from prototype to mass production
• Create internal tools to automate data parsing, analysis, and reporting
• Design, coordinate, and execute drive-unit-level and component-level tests for model and requirements validation
• Compile, analyze, and document test profiles and results to ensure complete validation across all program milestones

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

• Strong foundation in heat-transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics with a first-principles, physics-based approach to problem solving. Working knowledge of heat transfer and thermal management systems and technologies

• Experience with 1D, 2D, and/or 3D thermal modeling methodologies. Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or comparable analysis tools. Hands on experience with ANSYS Fluent/StarCCM+ 3D/FEA packages. Proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA 3DX preferred)

• Hands-on experience with instrumentation, measurement, calibration, and laboratory testing

• Proven ability to communicate complex analytical results clearly to design engineers and technical leadership

• Employ new tools and packages in a fast-changing environment. Comfort operating under pressure with competing priorities and tight deadlines

• Self-directed, intellectually curious, and collaborative by nature. Team-oriented, curious, and independent learner

• Automotive component or system testing experience

• Working knowledge of motors, gearboxes, or traction inverters

• Understanding of thermal-mechanical behavior in electrical/electronic components

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

• $109,600 - $195,600/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.

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