Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Thermal Engineer

Thermal & Fluids EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeFremont, CA, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.
A strong first-principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Relevant experience in firmware development.
Relevant experience in thermal system design and analysis.
Proficiency in developing numerical models for thermal and fluid systems.
Hands-on experience with experimental characterization of heat exchangers and thermal components.

Responsibilities

Conduct testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing for vehicle HVAC, coolant, refrigerant, and other thermal systems.
Develop thermal models for hardware optimization, controls, and diagnostics.
Develop firmware for diagnostics of vehicle thermal systems and enable research and development testing and data collection.
Analyze system performance to enhance vehicle efficiency and HVAC and supercharging capability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve system reliability and field performance.
Support prototyping and production phases with innovative thermal solutions.

Category	Engineering & Information Technology
Location	Fremont, California
Requisition ID	289170
Type	Full-time

Job Description

<p>Join the innovative Thermal Engineering Team at Tesla, the driving force behind groundbreaking technologies like the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, and Bioweapon Defense Mode. This multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, thermal, and analytics engineers collaborates across all phases of development—from idea inception to prototyping, production, and fleet support. As a Thermal R&D Engineer, you will focus on system-level thermal architecture, including radiators, refrigerant heat exchangers, compressors, fans, and pumps, to support cabin, battery, and powertrain systems across all Tesla vehicles. This role involves working with a cross-functional team to deliver cutting-edge thermal components and systems that optimize efficiency, performance, reliability, and safety.</p>

Job Responsibilities

Conduct testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing for vehicle HVAC, coolant, refrigerant, and other thermal systems
Develop thermal models for hardware optimization, controls, and diagnostics
Develop firmware for diagnostics of vehicle thermal system and enable research and development testing and data collection
Analyze system performance to enhance vehicle efficiency and HVAC / supercharge capability
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve system reliability and field performance
Support prototyping and production phases with innovative thermal solutions

Job Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience
Strong first principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics
Relevant experience in firmware development
Relevant experience in thermal system design and analysis
Proficiency in developing numerical models for thermal and fluid systems
Hands-on experience with experimental characterization of heat exchangers and thermal components

About the Company

Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Tesla makes electric cars and batteries that store power for homes and utilities, and it develops self-driving software and humanoid robots. In 2023, its Model Y became the first electric vehicle to rank as the world's best-selling car. Buyers order the Model 3 sedan, Model Y SUV, or Cybertruck pickup directly from Tesla instead of through dealers, and they charge on its Supercharger fast-charging network. It also sells Megapack and Powerwall batteries, runs a robotaxi service, and charges drivers a monthly fee for self-driving software that still needs their supervision. Tesla was founded in 2003, with Elon Musk as its lead early investor and a recognized co-founder, and it is based in Austin, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Founded: 2003

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