Mechatronics Test Engineer

Job Description

Tesla is building a world powered by solar energy, stored in batteries, and transported by electric vehicles. In this pursuit, we are building a technically strong, motivated, and fast-moving engineering team which prides itself on superior execution. The Drive Systems Engineering Test team at Tesla works with the drive unit design team to facilitate development of the drive unit components and subsystems such as motors, gears, and pumps. This involves thermal, electrical, and mechanical test equipment design and build, test execution, and data analysis.

Job Responsibilities

• Design mechanical and electrical hardware for test equipment which facilitates the development of drive unit components (stators, rotors, gears, bearings, pumps, and structures)
• Analyze and/or simulate components to ensure the reliability and safety of test fixtures (FEA, hand calculations, MATLAB, etc.)
• Build and debug both mechanical and electrical hardware in the lab
• Work with design engineers to understand boundary conditions and failure modes, and develop novel tester designs to further improve testing capabilities
• Work directly with reliability and design engineers for test planning activities (test scheduling, prioritization, specifications, etc.)
• Be involved with general test equipment maintenance and lab expansions
• Define test methods and measurement procedures, as well as set up controls. Work with cross-functional teams to develop pass/fail criteria
• Work closely in the lab with technicians to fabricate, install, and validate new test equipment, as well as repair and debug complex issues with existing equipment
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures for test equipment. Train technicians on new equipment and incorporate user feedback (design for usability, safety, ergonomics)
• Create engineering drawings and work with internal and external prototype shops to get parts fabricated for new and existing test systems

Job Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience in hardware design, design validation, hardware testing, mechanical system reliability, and durability testing
• Excellent grasp of engineering fundamentals and first principles
• Proficient in designing mechanical equipment, fixtures, and tooling in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA)
• Some experience with programming and data analysis (Arduino, C++, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, VeriStand, etc.)
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical tools (voltmeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies)
• Must be hands-on (assembly, fabrication/modification, instrumentation, wiring)
• Strong sense of ownership, taking full accountability for assigned tasks, with the ability to adapt and change direction swiftly. Collaborative mindset, recognizing the importance of teamwork within Tesla, and exhibiting a willingness to seek assistance and provide support when necessary
• A commitment to safety around high-speed rotating equipment, high-voltage equipment, and high-temperature fluids