What to Expect

 The Mechanical Design Engineer role within the Aerodynamic Prototype team will support the design, build & test of physical models in coordination with the Aerodynamics Engineering team. Tesla places a strong emphasis on vehicle aerodynamic optimization, not only for efficiency & range, but for wind noise as well. Our group works closely with Design & other engineering groups to achieve maximum performance with minimal compromise to other attributes.

The Aerodynamic Prototype team is small, highly motivated & thrives in our rapid engineering environment. This role offers the rare opportunity to participate in the development of new & genuinely cutting-edge vehicles. You must have a genuine passion for engineering the best EVs in the world.

The candidate must have strong interpersonal & communication skills. They must be able to balance tight deadlines with demanding engineering requirements. Additionally, they must establish & maintain a professional working relationship with external & internal teams, including model makers, machinists, aerodynamicists as well as hardware & software engineers. 

What You’ll Do
Design & create build plans for wind tunnel models that align with the aerodynamicists’ test plans & program deliverables 
Identify & secure resources to build test properties 
Execute build plans by designing, releasing & coordinating the build of test properties for wind tunnel & on-vehicle tests 
Perform hand calculations & FEA to justify mechanical design decisions for models 
Assist in developing & validating novel airflow management features or systems on full size & scale test hardware 
Work with engineers, suppliers, model makers & fabricators to create, assemble, instrument & test high fidelity wind tunnel models & physical mockups 
Innovate, develop & improve processes continuously 
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
Expertise in complex surface geometry creation, simplification & data management within CAD software – preferably CATIA 
Embrace a fast-paced dynamic team working in a product development environment 
Must be proactive in improving processes & driving projects, examples of this should be provided
Strong understanding of rapid prototyping methods 
Excellent communicator, resourceful & mindful of time management 
Must be willing to travel 10% of working days to support on track & tunnel testing
Familiarity with common aerodynamic measurement systems like pressure sensing & load cell hardware is preferred
Experience with wind tunnel testing, either at model or full scale is preferred
Experience with track testing, including instrumentation, data acquisition & processing is preferred

Hawthorne, California

Full time