What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Design Engineer, Aerodynamic Prototype, New Programs position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
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 equivalentexperience
- 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 & processingis preferred
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)
- 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
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.
