CAE Engineer, Drive Systems

Palo Alto, CA

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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


Compensation and Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • LGBTQ+ care concierge services
  • 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
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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


Expected Compensation

$80,000 - $300,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits


Pay 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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

Mechanical Engineer
North America

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