What to Expect

The Drive Systems team designs, optimizes, and engineers world class EV powertrains that push the boundaries of efficiency, performance, and time to market.  This can only be done with a deep understanding of engineering first principles and the ability to leverage finite element analysis early and often during the design process.

We are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer, CAE for our Drive Systems team.  This is a hybrid role between a Mechanical Design Engineer and a CAE Analyst. You will analyze and optimize revolutionary vehicle designs never before executed, enabled by clean-sheet design methodology and Tesla’s innovative EV architecture. Tesla doesn’t work with the typical barriers between the Design and Engineering teams; at Tesla you are empowered to push boundaries by working closely with all groups involved and help drive for the best overall outcome.

What You’ll Do
Developing highly predictive finite element models in collaboration with a small team of design engineers
Performing modal, linear/non-linear, durability/fatigue, random vibration and shock analysis to evaluate structures and recommend design solutions that balance the needs of engineering, suppliers, and program management
Using first principle thinking and structural optimization to meet/exceed performance metrics, while minimizing weight and cost
Working with reliability and test to develop load cases and cycle counts to be used for CAE and component level test in order to satisfy program and industry requirements
Working with both internal and external testing groups for model verification and validation
What You’ll Bring
5+ years of relevant experience
Strong working knowledge of finite element analysis techniques, solid mechanics, structural dynamics and numerical methods
Expert level component/system design analysis including modal, linear/non-linear static, durability/fatigue, random vibration and shock analysis
Experience with Nastran, Optistruct, LS-Dyna or similar FEM codes
Experience with Matlab or Python
Familiarity within 3D CAD software, preferably CATIA V5/6
Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines
A passion for a sustainable energy future and high performance, high efficiency vehicles

Palo Alto, California

Full time