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Mechanical Design Engineer, Lubrication & Thermal, Drive Systems

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/18/2026
What to Expect

Tesla's Drive Systems Engineering team is looking for an outstanding Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, and launch lubrication components and sub-systems for various Tesla Vehicle Drive Units.

You will be part of this creative team and be challenged to optimize the lubrication and thermal architecture for top-notch performance, cost, and manufacturability. This role will involve designing plastic, elastomer, and casting parts along with developing sub-systems such as electric oil pump, heat exchanger, and oil filter.

As designs mature and prototypes are tested, it is important to maintain a high level of integration with adjacent teams. You will closely work with manufacturing engineers and suppliers worldwide to transition concepts to high-volume production. Projects can be open-ended, and the individual must thrive in achallenging environment.

Our world-class engineering teams operate with a non-conventional automotive product development philosophy of high interdisciplinary collaboration, flat organizational structure, and technical contribution at all levels. You will be expected to challenge and to be challenged, to create, to innovate.

You must want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company. We are building real products. This must excite you. You'll work alongside accomplished, world-renowned engineers on perhaps the most exciting automotive programs in existence today.


What You'll Do
  • Develop requirements for lubrication and thermal components and sub-systems
  • 2D drafting and 3D modeling utilizing CAD software
  • Statistical analysis for component stack-up requirements
  • Define, coordinate, and execute component and system-level testing for performance, durability, reliability, and process variability
  • Manage technical supply base for high-volume manufacturing components to ensure optimal product quality
  • Work closely with world-class experts in design, modeling, firmware, electromagnetic, and power electronics, to develop and bring innovative technology to mass production
  • Collaborate with service and quality teams worldwide to improve reliability and deliver the best customer experience
  • Compile, analyze, and document test profiles and results to ensure complete validation of all requirements as programs mature

What You'll Bring
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling and 2D drafting (CATIA V5/V6 preferred
  • Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (fluency preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept through release and launch to production, or equivalent experience
  • Strong first-principles problem-solving and applied engineering fundamentals
  • Experience with instrumentation, measurement, calibration, and laboratory testing
  • Experience creating and executing DVP&R and DOE to validate performance requirements
  • Working knowledge of heat transfer, lubrication techniques, and thermal management is a plus
  • Experience with data analysis software (ex. Matlab, Python, etc.) is a plus
  • Working knowledge of motors, gearboxes, and low-voltage systems is a plus

Benefits

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

  • Medical plans > 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 Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible 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 (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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
    $109,600 - $195,600/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.

     

    Salary : $109,600 - $195,600

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