Vehicle Dynamics Engineer, Ride

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What to Expect

Serve as part of the Vehicle Dynamics Engineering team to manage the ride attribute for all Tesla vehicles. Participate in tuning the full chassis to meet ride performance targets and take primary ownership of passive and adaptive damper development activities as needed.

What You’ll Do

• Tune chassis components (springs, bars, dampers, bushings, etc.) and active systems to ensure ride quality meets internal targets.
• Lead passive and adaptive damper tuning activities and collaborations with suppliers to meet program timing and vehicle ride, handling, and steering targets. This includes both damper hydraulic valves and software control parameters as necessary
• Provide direction to design, controls, and modelling teams as well as supplier partners to guide vehicle and component design to be aligned with attribute requirements
• Work closely with modelling teams to define and perform virtual tests as needed to deliver the ride attribute
• Collaborate with other attribute owners (ride, steering, NVH, etc.) and component/system owners (body, tires, etc.) to resolve conflicts and deliver fully integrated vehicle attributes
• Perform drive assessments and generate quantitative metrics and qualitative descriptions that then lead the changes necessary to develop vehicles in keeping with Tesla’s character
• Support developments of other vehicle areas (e.g., suspension, tires and dynamics controls)
• Generate engineering data (run logs and reports) for all activities. Participate in design, program and product reviews and provide supported feedback
• Manage and execute testing programs, working cooperatively and efficiently communicating within a dynamic and interactive environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in automotive vehicle dynamics engineering
• Familiarity with shock absorber tuning methods and best practice
• Experience in subjective evaluation of passenger car/truck ride, handling, and steering performance
• Experience testing in high-speed environments at test tracks and closed circuits

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.