Staff Cell Thermal Modeling Engineer

About the role

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

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 265820 | Job Type: Full-time

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

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$128,000 - $228,000/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.