Sr. Cell Thermal Modeling Engineer

About the role

Sr. Cell Thermal Modeling Engineer | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 265073 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a world-class simulation engineer with a strong background in thermal modeling to play a critical role in the development of Tesla’s next-generation energy products. The Cell Thermal Modeling team directly supports in-house and vendor cell programs on cell testing and improving confidence in vehicle-level performance predictions for critical program milestones.

In this role, you will work to enable novel development efforts, inform thermal considerations during the initial cell design phase, and solve complex ad-hoc engineering requests. You will apply your expertise to drive design innovation, optimize performance, and champion a first-principles approach to modeling.

What You'll Do

• Advanced Model Development: Create and refine cell thermal models to support both vendor programs and in-house cell initiatives
• Physics-Based Parameterization: Lead the transition from high-dimensional fitting efforts toward targeted component property measurements to maximize predictive capabilities
• Methodology Innovation: Develop novel methods for handling complex thermal phenomena, such as heat generation in non-ideal cell chemistries and techniques for validation
• Design Influence: Engage directly with design teams to support early feasibility and/or value-proposition studies for critical design changes
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide guidance to design and manufacturing teams based on modeling results to inform thermal considerations as part of the cell design
• Validation & Automation: Process thermal characterization test data to validate models and develop code (Python/MATLAB) to automate validation and simulation workflows
• System Analysis: Perform advanced coupled multi-physics simulations to evaluate and enhance sub-systems and full vehicle performance, specifically improving confidence in vehicle-level performance predictions
• Communication: Produce concise management summaries and report-outs that effectively communicate technical risks and opportunities to management

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or equivalent experience
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of numerical methods (optimization, ODEs/PDEs) and heat transfer fundamentals. Familiarity with the thermal behaviors of advanced battery materials is a plus
• Simulation Experience: 3+ years’ experience in developing physics-based thermal models. Experience developing electrochemical-thermal coupled models for lithium-ion batteries is a plus
• Strong Programming skills and 3+ years’ experience in MATLAB, Simulink, or Python, etc. Preference for experience in developing physics-based 1D system models using any of these packages
• Intermediate skills in at least one common CAE package: ANSYS-FLUENT, Star-CCM+, COMSOL, etc. COMSOL preferred
• Intermediate skills in at least one common CAD package: SolidWorks, CATIA, etc.
• Soft Skills: Excellent written and communication skills and a collaborative working style
• Mindset: Proactive, capable of managing multiple priorities (program support vs new development) in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Problem Solving: A strict “first principles” approach to problem-solving

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$112,000 - $192,000/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.