Datacenter Mechanical Engineer

Description

As a Mechanical Engineer at Tesla, you will play a pivotal role in architecting the next generation of AI-optimized infrastructure as we scale to deliver multiple gigawatts of facilities. This is a high-impact engineering position focused on owning mechanical systems end-to-end—from early concept and analytical modeling through final build and deployment.

You will lead the development of modular template designs and innovative, supply-chain-aware solutions that enable rapid global deployment. Acting as the technical bridge between internal strategy and external execution, you will manage specialized partners and consultants to ensure designs integrate seamlessly with Tesla’s high-density cooling and power requirements. This role is designed for a problem-solver who thrives in complex environments and wants full ownership of the mechanical lifecycle for gigawatt-scale data centers.

You will operate at the intersection of design excellence, construction execution, and AI-scale infrastructure strategy. Expect a fast-paced environment where analytical rigor, owner’s-rep accountability, and cross-functional collaboration are essential. You will influence standards that roll out globally, work directly with consultants and contractors, and see your designs go from concept to commissioned reality at unprecedented scale and density.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end ownership of mechanical systems for AI-optimized, high-density data centers. Close partnership with electrical, controls, construction, and operations teams
• Direct accountability for technical quality of external design partners and consultants
• Rapid iteration on modular templates that support multi-site, multi-gigawatt deployment
• Hands-on construction administration, site observation, and field problem-solving
• Support the design and evolution of mechanical systems for AI-optimized, high-density data centers, including HVAC, process cooling, and critical facility infrastructure
• Own server rack integration from a mechanical perspective—coordinating rack-level cooling interfaces, containment strategies, liquid-to-chip and immersion cooling connections, airflow management, and alignment with power and IT layout requirements
• Develop and maintain modular mechanical templates to support rapid, repeatable global deployment
• Serve as the technical interface between internal teams and external consultants, ensuring alignment with Tesla requirements and standards. Ensure mechanical designs integrate seamlessly with high-density cooling and power architectures
• Design and specify a broad range of mechanical equipment and systems, including dehumidification units, air scrubbers, dust collectors, heat exchangers (shell/tube, plate/frame, brazed fin), chillers, cooling towers, pumps, compressors, process gas/fluid systems, air handling units, terminal units, VRF, fans/blowers, control valves and instrumentation, heat recovery systems, hazardous exhaust, and wastewater treatment

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in HVAC or process systems design (5–8 years preferred designing large-scale industrial or mission-critical facilities, specifically data centers)
• Familiarity with ASHRAE Handbooks / Standards and SMACNA Standards
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical systems including, but not limited to: dehumidification units, air scrubbers, dust collectors, heat exchangers (shell/tube, plate/frame, brazed fin), chillers, cooling towers, pumps, compressors, process gas/fluid systems, air handling units, terminal units, VRF, fans/blowers, control valves and instrumentation, heat recovery systems, hazardous exhaust, and wastewater treatment
• Professional design experience across a wide range of project types, including industrial cooling tower systems, chiller plants, boiler plants, office, mission-critical/data centers, restaurant, high-tech/R&D, biotech/pharmaceutical, and industrial facilities
• Demonstrated expertise in high-density cooling systems, including liquid-to-chip and immersion cooling
• Familiarity with the International Codes Council (ICC) suite of codes (Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, Fuel Gas, and Fire Codes)
• Proficiency with HVAC load calculation software (Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, and/or IES), Revit/BIM, Pipe-Flo, Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and Revizto
• Strong analytical skills, including CFD modeling and capacity planning
• Construction administration experience including site observation visits and review of RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings
• Excellent communication skills essential for team-based collaboration and managing complex external relationships

Compensation and Benefits

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