Vehicle Dynamics Modeling Engineer, Simulation Infrastructure

About the role

Vehicle Dynamics Modeling Engineer, Simulation Infrastructure | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 254309 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

As a Vehicle Dynamics Simulation & Data Analysis Engineer at Tesla, you will be at the forefront of developing the tools that define the performance of our next-generation vehicles. This role is a unique opportunity to merge your passion for vehicle dynamics, software development, and data science to directly impact products that accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

You will be a key contributor to our advanced simulation toolchain, working from first principles to model complex vehicle behaviors. Your expertise will be crucial in transforming vast amounts of simulation and real-world test data into actionable insights that drive engineering decisions. This position requires a meticulous, data-driven engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is committed to solving the most challenging problems in vehicle performance.

What You'll Do

• Architect, develop, and maintain a world-class vehicle simulation toolchain for both offline analysis and driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulator applications
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize terabytes of data from simulations, track testing, and our global vehicle fleet
• Apply statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to correlate simulation models with real-world performance data, identifying key performance indicators and areas for improvement
• Create intuitive data visualization dashboards and tools to provide actionable insights to vehicle dynamics, controls, and hardware engineering teams
• Collaborate closely with vehicle development engineers to define requirements, develop new model features, and ensure simulation accuracy
• Troubleshoot complex issues within the simulation ecosystem and lead data-driven correlation efforts to enhance predictive accuracy

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in motorsport, automotive, or software development environments
• Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and SciPy, and familiarity with at least one systems programming language such as C++, Rust, or C
• Proven experience analyzing large datasets to derive engineering insights
• Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics principles and practical experience with vehicle hardware and suspension components
• Demonstrated work ethic, integrity, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

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$120,000 - $252,000/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.