Battery Cell Test Engineer, Abuse Testing

Tesla•San Diego, CA

1d•$76,000 - $148,200•Onsite

About The Position

Join our team as a Test Engineer, executing hands-on battery-scale thermal and mechanical destructive safety testing in collaboration with engineering technicians. You would own the test lab and develop novel test and measurement techniques. In this role, you would set up and run tests, perform post-test analysis, troubleshoot issues, and develop chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical testing protocols - directly impacting product safety and accelerating Tesla's next-gen products to market. Tesla is committed to hiring diverse talent and seeks self-motivated, disciplined team players with strong communication skills who innovate, challenge others, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with real hardware, ensuring rapid feedback loops and meeting aggressive deadlines. This role is based at Tesla's San Diego site in Kearny Mesa.

Requirements

Degree or Equivalent Experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, prefer experience with heat transfer and electrical fundamentals
4+ years’ experience in lab/machine shop settings with in-depth knowledge of product design, root cause analysis, and resolution pathways
Enjoys collaborating and working in cross-functional groups and leading/working alongside technicians
Proficient in hand/power tools, sensor instrumentation (e.g., TCs, PTs, heat flux, gas), mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, troubleshooting, and delicate tasks like cell openings/inspections
High awareness of hazards, EHS procedures, and lab safety
Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping, organizational, and communication skills
Working knowledge of MS Office, SharePoint, JIRA, and applications for post processing test data
Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition (e.g., NI LabVIEW)
Ability to travel to Tesla test sites (<10%) for on-site testing and comfortable lifting up to 20 lbs1

Nice To Haves

Knowledgeable in energy storage device testing (Li-ion batteries, high voltage systems, hazardous materials) a plus

Responsibilities

Create test plans to meet design engineering data needs by specifying, ordering, and maintaining lab equipment while adhering to EHS guidelines
Develop SOPs for streamlined and standardized test flows for data quality, while innovating novel measurement techniques by automating test system code and data flows
Lead engineering technicians in safe test execution
Follow test plans to set up experiments, data acquisition systems (measuring temperature, pressure, heat flux, voltage, video/audio), and sensors
Execute destructive tests, gather and analyze data, while making observations and reporting results to engineering
Operate cold gas, pull test, and thermal testing equipment to conduct mechanical and thermal evaluations
Perform failure analysis, operate metrology tools (e.g., optical microscope) and CT/X-ray machines for measurements
Conduct teardown inspections, document findings, and troubleshoot issues during execution
Update stakeholders on progress and blockers
Collaborate with teams on test builds, preparation, and instrumentation

Benefits

Medical plans > 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 Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible 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 (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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