Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Thermal System Engineer - Drive Systems

Thermal & Fluids EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timePalo Alto, CA, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience is required.
A strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, with a first-principles, physics-based approach to problem solving, is required.
Working knowledge of heat transfer and thermal management systems and technologies is required.
Experience with 1D, 2D, and/or 3D thermal modeling methodologies is required.
Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or comparable analysis tools is required.
Hands-on experience with ANSYS Fluent or StarCCM+ 3D/FEA packages is required.
Proficiency in 3D CAD is required.
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, measurement, calibration, and laboratory testing is required.
The ability to communicate complex analytical results clearly to design engineers and technical leadership is required.
The ability to employ new tools and packages in a fast-changing environment and operate under pressure with competing priorities and tight deadlines is required.
Automotive component or system testing experience is required.
Working knowledge of motors, gearboxes, or traction inverters is required.
Understanding of thermal-mechanical behavior in electrical/electronic components is required.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain core thermal models for the electric drive unit, traction motor, and drive inverter.
Develop models and requirements for cooling and lubrication components such as heat exchangers and pumps.
Partner with firmware, design, and test engineers to bring new technologies from prototype to mass production.
Create internal tools to automate data parsing, analysis, and reporting.
Design, coordinate, and execute drive-unit-level and component-level tests for model and requirements validation.
Compile, analyze, and document test profiles and results to ensure complete validation across all program milestones.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with CATIA 3DX is preferred.

Category	Engineering & Information Technology
Location	Palo Alto, California
Requisition ID	272145
Type	Full-time

Job Description

The Drive Systems Engineering team is seeking an exceptional Thermal System Engineer to design and advance the thermal system at the heart of our electric drive units.  In this role, you will own the full lifecycle — from physics-based model development through empirical validation. You will push the boundaries of what is physically achievable, validating every assumption against real-world data and driving relentless improvement from first prototype to millions of units on the road. This role demands more than technical depth. You'll operate at the forefront of electrified powertrain development, tackling problems that don't have textbook answers, alongside engineers who are among the best in the world at what they do. You will work side by side with design, hardware, manufacturing, and test engineers in a flat, highly collaborative organization where technical contribution is expected at every level. Projects are often open-ended, and the ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, moves fast, and takes ownership. You must want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company. Our engineering teams move fast, collaborate across disciplines, and keep the org flat so that technical contribution matters at every level. You'll work alongside world-class engineers on some of the most consequential automotive programs in existence — and you'll be expected to challenge convention, take ownership, and push boundaries. We build real products that redefine the industry - this must excite you.

Job Responsibilities

Develop and maintain core thermal models for the electric drive unit, traction motor, and drive inverter
Develop models and requirements for cooling and lubrication components like heat exchangers and pumps
Partner with firmware, design, and test engineers to bring new technologies from prototype to mass production
Create internal tools to automate data parsing, analysis, and reporting
Design, coordinate, and execute drive-unit-level and component-level tests for model and requirements validation
Compile, analyze, and document test profiles and results to ensure complete validation across all program milestones

Job Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
Strong foundation in heat-transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics with a first-principles, physics-based approach to problem solving. Working knowledge of heat transfer and thermal management systems and technologies
Experience with 1D, 2D, and/or 3D thermal modeling methodologies. Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or comparable analysis tools. Hands on experience with ANSYS Fluent/StarCCM+ 3D/FEA packages. Proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA 3DX preferred) 
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, measurement, calibration, and laboratory testing
Proven ability to communicate complex analytical results clearly to design engineers and technical leadership
Employ new tools and packages in a fast-changing environment. Comfort operating under pressure with competing priorities and tight deadlines
Self-directed, intellectually curious, and collaborative by nature. Team-oriented, curious, and independent learner
Automotive component or system testing experience
Working knowledge of motors, gearboxes, or traction inverters
Understanding of thermal-mechanical behavior in electrical/electronic 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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