Thermal System Test Engineer

About the role

Thermal System Test Engineer | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan | Req ID: 261808 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Join our diverse, enthusiastic, and growing team of multi-disciplinary engineers at Tesla, where we accelerate the world's transition to sustainable abundance—creating an era of clean, plentiful energy for all. You'll contribute by validating the reliability, performance, and durability of thermal systems that form the backbone of our self-driving vehicles and SI technologies.

These systems ensure efficient cooling and heating for batteries, SI hardware, and components in autonomous driving vehicles, enabling reliable operation in real-world conditions. With opportunities to work across various development programs, you'll thrive in Tesla's innovative, fast-paced environment, often collaborating beyond your core role to drive progress, including HIL/SIL simulations for system-level testing.

What You'll Do

• Lead validation and testing for thermal management components and subsystems, including compressors, A/C lines, heat exchangers, hoses, coolant pumps, HVAC blowers, and electronic valves. Identify potential failure modes and collaborate with design partners to implement effective improvements
• Oversee testing of subsystem setups, integrating modular configurations for component-, system-, and vehicle-level evaluations, with emphasis on HIL/SIL environments for simulated testing
• Develop and maintain test software in Python for automation, data collection, analysis, and post-processing; refine our pytest-based automation codebase to interact with devices, support reliability testing, and validate firmware (FW) for thermal control systems
• Integrate test equipment such as power supplies, environmental chambers, DAQs, sensors, and related instrumentation into automated test setups, ensuring seamless connectivity and data accuracy for high-fidelity validation in both physical and simulated (HIL/SIL) environments
• Conduct hands-on debugging of test setups and equipment; perform root cause analysis on failures and issues affecting both test hardware and the device under test to enable rapid resolutions and iterative improvements
• Manage the full testing lifecycle from setup to execution and reporting, including planning, development of test cases, review of test specifications, inspections, root cause analysis, data processing, and full-vehicle interactions for software validation and thermal system reliability
• Document test findings clearly and communicate them promptly to cross-functional teams; conduct root cause analysis on failures and partner with design, software, failure analysis, reliability teams, and suppliers to develop corrective actions
• Track validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and update program managers on progress, risks, and blockers

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in coding for test automation and data post-processing, with hands-on experience in Python and/or C; familiarity with pytest for maintaining robust automation codebases, including test case development for HIL/SIL validation
• Basic foundation in thermodynamics, including refrigeration and coolant systems.
• Knowledge of working principles for common thermal components, including operation, testing, characterization, and firmware validation
• Experience with standard lab and test equipment, such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, and temperature sensors, plus familiarity with HIL/SIL simulation tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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)