What to Expect

Tesla is accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.  The Chassis Design Engineering team plays a critical part in that mission; helping to deliver a safe, efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience, while also focusing on the sustainability and value of Tesla’s products.

The Chassis Design Engineering team is comprised of Engineers from many backgrounds and experience levels.  You’ll work alongside experts with many years of experience, high aptitude recent graduates, and people from every stage in between.  Collaboration, learning, and growth are core to the team’s success.  We look for anyone with demonstrated exceptional ability to solve problems in both individual and team settings.

Chassis Engineering at Tesla has established itself as an industry leader in chassis technology and development. In addition to seeking excellent core system design capabilities, we’re looking for Engineers who are impassioned to advance the state-of-the-art in the by-wire actuation and active/adaptive suspension systems found in Tesla products.  

The team works in small, dedicated groups to manage tires, wheels, hubs, halfshafts, steering, suspension, subframes, brakes, pedals/controls, and air suspension and damping systems on all of Tesla’s passenger car, autonomous, and heavy vehicle programs.  A Mechanical Design Engineer on the team is responsible for bringing parts and systems from concept to production and beyond with support from other Engineering teams at Tesla.

The Engineer is responsible for taking a system approach to mechanical design and electromechanical integration of air suspension, pneumatics, air processing, suspension and air brake systems for heavy vehicles. Responsibilities include design, analysis, sourcing, prototyping, testing, vehicle assembly validation, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.  There will be opportunities to learn and improve these skills through experience on the team.  The Engineer should be able to readily apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to creatively solve problems and learn quickly while managing their projects independently. We are looking for someone who will go beyond the status quo to make the best product in terms of cost, mass, and performance.  The Engineer should be able to communicate clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.  Hands-on experience is a major plus for engineering development work and addressing production issues.  Experience with electromechanical systems is a plus.  Some travel to suppliers may be required, including international travel.

What You’ll Do
Develop system architecture for pneumatic systems, air generation and processing, and air brake systems
Tune pneumatic system response to meet internal design targets and relevant regulations
Establish, analyze, and tune self-diagnostic fault detection methods in collaboration with Firmware and Integration Engineers
Develop and optimize designs in 3D CAD software with associated CAE tools
Optimize suspension design and kinematics in collaboration with Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling Engineers
Validate manufacturing, assembly, and service feasibility
Complete and release component designs and documentation, including 2D drawings
Validate components per defined engineering requirements
Resolve issues and concerns with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Firmware, Supply Chain, Production, and Service
Participate in the sourcing process and manage engineering relationships with suppliers
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
Proficiency in a 3D CAD software (CATIA is a plus)
Basic knowledge of GD&T (proficiency is a plus)
Experience with component design, analysis, and validation
Great technical and interpersonal communication
Evidence of being a self-starter and bringing projects to completion
Prior experience in a relevant engineering field is valued, but the team has openings from entry level to expert
Prior experience with heavy or commercial vehicle systems is a plus

Palo Alto, California

Full time