Demo

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Geartrain, Drive Systems

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/1/2026
What to Expect
Geartrain Design Engineers in Tesla's Drive Systems Engineering Team are responsible for design, release and launch of the geartrain components for Tesla vehicle product lines. You will be part of the team that creates and executes world-class drive units in terms of performance, cost, and manufacturability across all vehicle platforms. Components of particular importance include gears, bearings, shafts, clutches, couplers, actuators, differentials and integration of these components.

What You'll Do
  • Develop concepts for geartrain related components to minimize part count, cost, and complexity in the drive unit
  • Design and analysis of geartrain components including rotating shafts, gears, differentials, torque split devices, couplings, and clutches
  • Design, coordinate, and execute system level and component level tests for performance, durability, reliability, and variability
  • Risk assessment, root cause analysis and problem resolution for failures of geartrain components in validation tests
  • Provide technical guidance to cross functional teams (manufacturing, production, quality, supply chain and service) through entire development and life cycle of drive unit products
  • Work with Suppliers to drive process improvements and product excellence for high volume contract manufacturing
  • Work with world class experts in Firmware, Design, and Test Engineering to develop and bring innovative technologies to mass production
  • CAE analysis for geartrain components and sub-systems (static, modal, fatigue, topology optimization)
  • 2D and 3D modeling utilizing CAD software
  • Mentor entry-level Engineers and Interns in the team

What You'll Bring
  • Experience in rotating machinery design, analysis, tests and failure analysis
  • Understanding of bearings, gears and gearbox lubrication
  • Experience with differentials, actuators, clutches, axle disconnect systems or multi-speed transmissions
  • Deep understanding of ANSI Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing application to part drawings and function
  • Expert in 3D modeling within a product development environment. CATIA preferred
  • Experience in CAE analysis software package like Ansys, Abaqus, Hyperworks and Romax
  • Experience of launching automotive designs from concept through release and production or the equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability

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:

  • 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
    Expected Compensation
    $106,400 - $206,520/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.com Estimation for Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Geartrain, Drive Systems in Palo Alto, CA
    $136,130 to $162,024
    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. Mechanical Design Engineer, Geartrain, Drive Systems?

    Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Geartrain, Drive Systems career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
    Income Estimation: 
    $132,162 - $161,329
    Income Estimation: 
    $155,404 - $198,448
    Income Estimation: 
    $158,725 - $194,124
    Income Estimation: 
    $74,832 - $90,893
    Income Estimation: 
    $86,835 - $106,101
    Income Estimation: 
    $86,835 - $106,101
    Income Estimation: 
    $110,316 - $137,631
    Income Estimation: 
    $110,316 - $137,631
    Income Estimation: 
    $137,294 - $170,650
    Income Estimation: 
    $137,294 - $170,650
    Income Estimation: 
    $170,210 - $214,735

    Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Geartrain, Drive Systems.

    Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

    • 3D CAD Skill

      • Income Estimation: $88,890 - $125,391
      • Income Estimation: $91,158 - $113,466
    • 3D Modeling Skill

      • Income Estimation: $101,553 - $129,430
      • Income Estimation: $123,565 - $153,647
    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. South Burlington, VT
    • What to Expect As a Tesla Technician, you become a vital part of our global team, working towards our mission of accelerating the world's transition to sus... more
    • 14 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. South Burlington, VT
    • What to Expect Tesla is looking for a ServiceAssistantto work on one of the most progressive vehicles in the world. We are seeking professional customer se... more
    • 14 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. South Burlington, VT
    • What to Expect As a Delivery Vehicle Prep Specialist at Tesla, you will play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and exceptional customer delivery experi... more
    • 14 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Bernalillo, NM
    • What to Expect As Tesla expands, we are seeking exceptional leaders to drive our growth by forming exceptional teams and refining processes that enhance th... more
    • 14 Days Ago


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

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

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect Tesla is in need of Senior or Staff Mechanical Engineers to design vehicle propulsion rotors. Foster your drive for continuous improvement b... more
    • 8 Days Ago

    AI Assistant is available now!

    Feel free to start your new journey!