Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, Power Electronics, Next Gen Tech

Tesla•Palo Alto, CA

16d

About The Position

Step into the forefront of innovation as a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer on Tesla's Power Electronics team, where you'll pioneer breakthroughs in emerging technologies that redefine the future of energy and transportation. You'll lead efforts to push power electronics to new heights—enhancing power density, scaling voltages, slashing costs, and integrating advanced automated manufacturing processes that will power the next generation of Tesla's vehicles, energy storage systems, and beyond. Join a dynamic, elite group of visionaries in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where every day brings challenges that demand creativity and bold problem-solving. Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy isn't just a goal—it's your canvas for creating game-changing solutions. If you're energized by a 'first-principles' mindset and the thrill of turning abstract ideas into real-world technologies that millions will rely on, this role will ignite your passion. Here, your designs won't linger on screens; they'll rapidly evolve from prototypes to mass-produced realities, driving global impact and setting new industry standards.

Requirements

8+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, power electronics, or a related field, with a proven track record of technical excellence in product development and innovation
Exceptional creativity and a strong foundation in first-principles thinking, enabling you to devise novel solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible
Outstanding organizational, written, and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively and lead projects with diverse stakeholders. The ability to rally an organization and its leaders around your ideas. This is a high impact role
Expertise in cost modeling, multi-physics simulations (e.g., thermal, CFD, structural), and optimizations, with the ability to navigate system-level trade-offs and integrate them into architecture studies
Extensive knowledge of various manufacturing techniques, including injection molding, stamping, die-casting, dispensing, fastening/joining, and automated assembly processes, to ensure designs are production-ready. As well as familiarity with PCBAs and their components
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, including familiarity with GD&T, finite element analysis, and design for reliability
Proficiency in tools like CATIA V5/V6, MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, StarCCM or similar for design, simulation, and analysis
Solid understanding of environmental, safety, and industry standards for automotive and energy products, along with basic electrical & magnetic design principles

Responsibilities

Identify and prioritize key areas for technology development in power electronics, focusing on innovations that boost power density, elevate voltage capabilities, reduce costs, and enable seamless high-level automated manufacturing
Apply creative, first-principles-based problem-solving to generate groundbreaking, new-to-the-world solutions that address complex engineering challenges
Conduct multi-physics simulations and optimizations to refine designs, ensuring they meet rigorous performance, thermal, structural, and environmental requirements
Perform in-depth cost modeling and analysis to evaluate trade-offs, optimize manufacturing processes, and drive cost-effective designs from concept to production
Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including electrical, magnetic, systems, controls and manufacturing engineers—to integrate designs into broader architectures, incorporating system-level trade-offs for maximum efficiency and reliability
Develop detailed engineering test plans, prototype builds, and validation strategies to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies from ideation to high-volume production
Oversee the modeling and design of electro-mechanical components, such as advanced heat sinks, insulation systems, and magnetic elements and custom PCBA components, while solving packaging issues like thermal management, vibration control, and electromagnetic interference
Create comprehensive drawing packages, manufacturing instructions, and assembly processes to support rapid prototyping and scalable production

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
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