Sr. Test Engineer, Abuse Test & Engineering

About the role

Sr. Test Engineer, Abuse Test & Engineering | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 251489 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to lead the evaluation and testing of battery propagation resistance across vehicle and energy storage programs. In this role, you will own the test process end-to-end—from design evaluation, test conception, planning, and execution, through to results analysis and collaboration on design decisions. You will also develop innovative test methods to investigate failure modes from a first-principles perspective and help define next-generation pack architectures. Your work will directly influence Tesla’s ability to rapidly launch and optimize cutting-edge products at scale.

What You'll Do

• Lead battery propagation resistance efforts on assigned programs in close collaboration with the cell and pack design, test, and manufacturing teams
• Partner with internal teams to develop cell and pack designs that meet safety and abuse specifications
• Define and communicate test plans, resource requirements, and timelines for each program phase based on risk and schedule
• Present results and design recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and executives
• Develop tests tailored to pack architectures (geometric, thermal, electrical) to study failure mode frequency, severity, and mechanisms
• Recommend new methods to deepen our understanding of failure modes
• Investigate failure modes and propose strategies to deepen organizational understanding
• Collaborate with technicians and test systems engineers to optimize tests, identifying opportunities for improved design, throughput, data fidelity, and integrity
• Enhance statistical frameworks, results databases, and visualization tools for more robust decision-making
• Design test setups and instrumentation to improve model validation, accuracy, and utility

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years’ experience in physically applied-engineering (lab, machine shop, hobby project, etc.)
• Strong problem-solving ability using first principles, with a foundation in heat transfer and electrical engineering fundamentals
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, modification, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and inspection
• Proficiency with instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills; comfortable guiding cross-functional teams and technicians
• Ability to plan and execute multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
• Experience with Matlab or Python
• Proficiency in CAD for fixture or test design
• Knowledge of SQL or database management

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$109,600 - $234,000/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.