Mechanical Design Engineer, Cell Prototype Engineering

About the role

Mechanical Design Engineer, Cell Prototype Engineering | Tesla (Design)

Location: San Diego, California | Req ID: 281006 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla’s Cell Prototype Engineering team in San Diego is seeking top engineers to design paradigm-shifting battery cells— the heart of every Tesla product— and the biggest lever on affordable, abundant, and performant EVs for all.

Our vertically-integrated program is industry one-of-a-kind: the opportunity to drive architectures from the ground up, influence roadmap & full product portfolio, and master technical challenges in manufacturing at orders-of-magnitude greater volume than is typical for automotive systems.

The role requires strong 1st principles, a passion for advancing state-of-the-art, and the tenacity to ensure the success of your ideas. Our team habitually defies convention and designs to the limits of physics. You’ll align inputs from multiple disciplines (supply chain, electrochemistry design, manufacturing, and quality) to develop new cell products, set & validate to requirements, and launch into mass production.

Tesla moves fast: self-motivation, discipline, collaboration, and strong communication are critical for success— as is embracing ambiguity as an opportunity for defining novel directions. Your environment will include battle-proven industry experts, high-aptitude recent graduates, and open access to a wealth of domain leaders across every Tesla department.

What You'll Do

• Holistic design ownership of mechanical parts and assemblies for in-house cylindrical 4680 cell and beyond (initial concept through development, factory launch, and ramp)
• Generate design innovations that expand the limits of lithium-ion cell performance, cost, and safety
• Employ 1st principles analysis and empirical testing to rapidly evaluate concepts and determine which to accelerate and which to retire
• Own prototyping, basic testing, and analysis (support advanced testing and analysis)
• Lead multi-disciplinary collaborations across electrochemistry design, CAE, supply chain, quality, manufacturing, qualification, and new product introduction
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions
• Author clear technical documentation and deliver live presentations
• Participate in component sourcing and supplier engineering relationships
• Occasional travel to Tesla factories, satellite team sites, and suppliers (domestic / international as needed)

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Physics, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (CATIA V5/V6 experience is a plus)
• Foundational knowledge in GD&T and tolerance analysis (proficiency is a plus)
• The ability to apply fundamentals of solid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials science to define and solve complex problems
• Familiarity with properties and applications of common engineering metals and polymers
• Experience designing for relevant processes such as stamping, deep drawing, plastic injection molding, machining, and metal welding
• Hands-on prototyping experience: sourcing, building, and testing your ideas
• Proficiency with experimental design and setup, data acquisition, analysis
• The ability to clearly communicate complex technical information to a broad audience
• High agency mindset: seek out high impact problems, engage stakeholders, and champion solutions

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$87,020 - $185,820/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.