Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer - Vehicle Controls
About the job
- Excellent background in first-principles linear systems analysis, state estimation, and control design.
- Excellent fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics, specifically low- and medium-fidelity models used within a control algorithm.
- Demonstrated ability to design from the ground up, analyze, implement, test, and debug control systems in real-world applications.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and execute open-ended projects in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
- Basic understanding of the physics of electric drivetrains and chassis actuators such as brakes, steering, and suspensions.
- Good proficiency with engineering development tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Python.
- Basic proficiency with software development in C and C++.
- Real-world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics, ideally including direct experience developing, testing, and tuning traction and torque-vectoring controls.
- Expertise in advanced control and estimation techniques, optimal control, and control synthesis and deployment on embedded systems.
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability.
- Develop control-oriented models of chassis systems for analysis and estimation.
- Develop torque-management algorithms for allocating drive torque on multi-motor platforms.
- Develop traction-control algorithms to manage tire slip under different operating conditions of a multi-motor vehicle.
- Develop model-based deployment strategies for active aero actuators using vehicle onboard sensors and estimates.
- Evaluate novel vehicle-motion subsystems to inform product architecture decisions.
- Build and maintain Model-in-the-Loop simulation environments for vehicle dynamics, control algorithms, and state estimation.
- Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize vehicle stability and performance and advance vehicle-motion control technology deployed in Tesla vehicles.
- Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to maximize system safety and reliability.
- Ensure algorithm stability and performance using Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop tools, in the vehicle at proving grounds, and in the customer fleet.
- Assist with testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of control systems to improve vehicle performance.
About the company
Tesla designs and sells electric vehicles and renewable energy products. Its cars (Model S, 3, X, Y, and Roadster) run on battery power, with a semi-autonomous Autopilot driving system and a global network of fast-charging stations called Superchargers. The company also provides solar panels, Solar Roof, and energy storage products (Powerwall, Powerpack, Megapack) to generate and store clean energy for homes and businesses. Tesla operates with a vertically integrated model, manufacturing key components (batteries, drivetrains) and selling directly to customers via its website and stores, while earning revenue from vehicle and energy product sales and regulatory credits. Its goal is to speed up the world’s transition to sustainable energy by combining mobility and energy solutions in one ecosystem.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
Founded
2003
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Tesla delivered 486,532 vehicles in Q3 2026, its best quarter yet.
- Energy deployments reached 13.7 GWh in Q3 2026, extending storage momentum.
- Active FSD subscriptions hit 1.48 million in Q2 2026, up 56%.
What critics are saying
- Tesla's operating margin fell to 1.4% in Q2 2026, crushing earnings power.
- Free cash flow turned negative $1.09 billion, while capex exceeds $25 billion.
- If Cybercab and Optimus slip through 2027, Tesla stays a low-margin carmaker.
What makes Tesla unique
- Tesla controls cars, batteries, charging, software, and direct sales, unlike legacy automakers.
- Supercharger access and over-the-air software updates keep Tesla's ecosystem sticky.
- Optimus, Cybercab, and FSD tie Tesla to robotics and autonomy, not just EVs.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
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↓ -1%Pilot and Tesla have opened their first Megacharger site for heavy-duty electric trucks at a Pilot travel centre in Ellabell, Georgia. The location features six charging stalls, with three additional sites expected to open soon in California, Texas, and Nevada. The companies announced their collaboration in January 2026 to develop a network of Tesla Megachargers at select Pilot locations along major US freight corridors. Each site will feature four to eight high-power charging stalls using Tesla's V4 cabinet technology, capable of delivering up to 1.2 megawatts of power per stall. According to Tesla, a Tesla Semi can recover 60% of charge in 30 minutes at these stations. Twelve locations are currently under construction across California, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, and Texas.
Apple monetises AI through its high-margin Services business, whilst Tesla's heavy AI spending compressed earnings. Apple reported revenue of $109.42 billion, up 16.4%, with earnings per share of $2.02 beating estimates. Services runs at a 75.6% gross margin. Tesla's active full self-driving subscriptions rose 56% to 1.48 million, but earnings per share of $0.33 missed the $0.54 estimate. Operating margin shrank to 1.4%, and free cash flow fell to negative $1.09 billion. Capital expenditure is expected to exceed $25 billion. Apple bought back $25.8 billion of stock last quarter whilst increasing AI spending. Tesla pays no dividend and buys no stock. Apple shares are up 23% year to date, whilst Tesla fell 18%. Tesla trades at 346 times trailing earnings versus Apple's 38 times.
Tesla has redesigned its AI5 chip to use 96GB of RAM instead of the originally planned 144GB, a reduction of one-third. Elon Musk stated this was "the only way to get enough volume for Optimus production" and reduces costs. The redesign indicates the memory shortage has spread beyond data centres into robotics. Micron Technology's chief financial officer Mark Murphy said he has "no line of sight" for when the current memory shortage will ease. Micron's gross margin increased from 2.7% in fiscal 2023 to 80.7% in fiscal 2026. Consensus from 35 analysts expects Micron's revenue to reach approximately $275 billion in fiscal 2027, up from $133 billion in fiscal 2026. The main risk is that other chip designers may follow Tesla's example and find they need less memory than anticipated.
Tesla has rescheduled its long-awaited Roadster reveal to 15 October, moving from the original 1 October date due to weather concerns. The event must be held outdoors, likely to accommodate SpaceX thruster demonstrations. The supercar was first announced in 2017 with a promised launch "a few years away". Tesla collected $50,000 deposits from buyers, with the vehicle priced at around $200,000. Production could take a year or longer after the reveal. The Roadster is unlikely to significantly impact Tesla's revenue. The company delivered 480,126 vehicles in Q2, up 25% year-over-year, generating $28.2 billion in revenue. However, operating income fell 57% to $398 million. Tesla is investing heavily in AI and other projects, with capital expenditures more than doubling to $5.8 billion in Q2.
Tesla shares climbed 4.65% to $370.59 after reporting third-quarter deliveries of 486,532 vehicles, beating Wall Street estimates by approximately 25,000 units. Trading volume reached 53.9 million shares, 39% above the three-month average. The Model 3 and Y accounted for 478,237 deliveries. The strong performance came despite federal EV tax credits expiring in September 2025. The S&P 500 rose 0.74% whilst the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.19%. Rivals Rivian and Lucid declined 3.12% and 1.43% respectively, though Rivian also reported record quarterly deliveries. Investors are now focused on Tesla's upcoming October earnings report and whether the delivery momentum translates into strong revenue guidance.