Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls

About the role

Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls | Tesla (Vehicle Software)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 275523 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

The Tesla Vehicle Dynamics Controls team designs and implements the control algorithms and software that deliver the world-class vehicle dynamics Tesla is known for. Our systems are strongly physics-oriented, so this role requires someone who can apply first-principles analysis and advanced control techniques to create novel, industry-leading vehicle motion control systems (specifically governing brake, suspension, steering, aero, and powertrain).

You will work cross-functionally with Chassis Hardware, Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling, Firmware, Systems Integration, and Self Driving teams to bring these systems from concept to production. The team has already delivered some of Tesla’s most distinctive capabilities, including the industry-first Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Steer system on Cybertruck, Track Mode and torque vectoring on Plaid Model S, Tesla’s in-house stability control (VDC), multi-motor traction control, adaptive suspension damping, trailer sway control, and Self Driving actuator controls.

This is a chance to directly shape how Tesla vehicles move - on the road, on the track, and under autonomous control.

What You'll Do

• Develop control-oriented models of chassis systems for analysis and estimation
• Analyze and simulate suspension system behaviors, incorporating vehicle dynamics principles
• Evaluate novel subsystems related to vehicle motion to inform product architecture decisions
• Build and maintain Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) simulation environments to model vehicle dynamics, control algorithms, and state estimation
• Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize system capability and flexibility, and advance the state-of-the-art in vehicle motion control technology deployed in Tesla vehicles
• Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to maximize system safety and reliability
• Work with Firmware/Integration Engineers to test, debug, and calibrate the algorithms in simulation and in car
• Ensure stability and performance of the algorithms using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools, in the vehicle at proving grounds and in the customer fleet
• Assist in testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of control systems to improve vehicle performance

What You'll Bring

• Excellent background in first principles linear systems analysis, state-estimation, and control design
• Excellent fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics, specifically low and medium fidelity models to be used within a control algorithm
• Demonstrated ability to ground-up design, analyze, implement, test, and debug control systems in real-world applications
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and execute on open-ended projects in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
• Basic understanding of the physics of electric drivetrains, and chassis actuators like brakes, steering, suspensions, etc.
• Good proficiency with engineering development tools like Matlab/Simulink/Python
• Basic proficiency with software development in C/C++
• Real world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics, ideally with direct experience in developing, testing and tuning suspension controls
• Expertise in advanced control and estimation techniques, and optimal control, and control synthesis and deployment on embedded systems
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability

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$140,000 - $300,000/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.