Demo

Sr. CAE Engineer, Drive Systems

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/8/2026
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 industry 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
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 - $234,000/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.

     

    Salary : $109,600 - $234,000

    If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
    Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

    What is the career path for a Sr. CAE Engineer, Drive Systems?

    Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Sr. CAE Engineer, Drive Systems career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
    Income Estimation: 
    $123,167 - $152,295
    Income Estimation: 
    $146,673 - $180,130
    Income Estimation: 
    $110,730 - $135,754
    Income Estimation: 
    $128,617 - $162,576
    Income Estimation: 
    $117,033 - $148,289
    Income Estimation: 
    $97,688 - $130,047
    Income Estimation: 
    $126,935 - $163,412
    Income Estimation: 
    $85,996 - $102,718
    Income Estimation: 
    $111,859 - $131,446
    Income Estimation: 
    $110,457 - $133,106
    Income Estimation: 
    $105,809 - $128,724
    Income Estimation: 
    $122,763 - $145,698
    Employees: Get a Salary Increase
    View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

    Job openings at Tesla Motors, Inc.

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect The Self Perform Mechanical Project Coordinator is the administrative and procurement backbone of the project team, working with Project Man... more
    • 2 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Reno, NV
    • What to Expect The Manufacturing Automation Development Engineering team is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to contribute to the design and de... more
    • 2 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect The Sr. Project Engineer, Energy for Remanufacturing is responsible for supporting the development of new processes and carrying out each tr... more
    • 2 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Louisville, KY
    • What to Expect Tesla is seeking a Service Advisor dedicated to advancing one of the most innovative vehicle brands globally. This role demands a substantia... more
    • 2 Days Ago


    Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Sr. CAE Engineer, Drive Systems jobs in the Palo Alto, CA area that may be a better fit.

    • gotion Fremont, CA
    • Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe... more
    • 27 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect We are a small, fast team ofcapable Engineers.Wespecializein architecturelayouts anddetaildesign ofmass efficientcastingsandforgingslike gea... more
    • 2 Months Ago

    AI Assistant is available now!

    Feel free to start your new journey!