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Vehicle Dynamics Modeling Engineer

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/5/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/4/2026
What to Expect

The Vehicle Dynamics Modeling team are the system architects of our vehicles' driving dynamics. We are at the heart of what makes a Tesla objectively drive like a Tesla. Our work spans the full spectrum of simulation and analysis: from rapid, first principles calculations in Python scripts, to high-fidelity multi-body dynamics models in Dymola. Using this powerful suite of in-house and commercial tools, we predict and shape the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical dynamic behaviors from the earliest architectural concepts to the final production tuning. Our work is central to the engineering process, providing data-driven insights that guide design decisions and ensure our vehicles deliver a world-class experience. We operate in a highly collaborative environment where we challenge assumptions, learn from one another, and continuously improve our methods to solve the next generation of engineering challenges.


What You'll Do
  • Develop, validate, correlate, and deploy vehicle dynamics models to guide the development of ride, handling, and driver controls
  • Create and implement objective metrics to correlate simulation with real-world performance, designing and supporting vehicle tests for high-quality data collection
  • Critically evaluate and improve tools and methodologies to enable faster, more optimal engineering decisions across the organization
  • Translate complex simulation results into clear, actionable insights for cross-functional teams including chassis, NVH, controls, and Autopilot
  • Act as a subject matter expert for vehicle model integration into software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop platforms
  • Navigate trade-offs between vehicle dynamics attributes, NVH, cost, and manufacturability to achieve optimal product outcomes
  • Take cradle-to-grave ownership of models that define vehicle performance, ensuring seamless integration of contributing systems

What You'll Bring
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics principles and modeling techniques
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments for vehicle dynamics analysis
  • Ability to analyze complex data and provide clear, actionable insights to cross-functional teams
  • Proven problem-solving skills with adaptability to learn new tools and methodologies
  • Collaborative mindset with experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments
  • Capability to balance performance requirements with practical engineering constraints

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
    $84,000 - $204,000/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 : $84,000 - $204,000

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