Prototype Engineering Technician

Description

In this role, you’ll work hands-on with engineering and prototype vehicles—instrumenting them for data collection, handling high-voltage systems, diagnosing complex issues, and fabricating or rebuilding components to support test and development programs. You’ll partner closely with engineers in a fast-paced environment, keep detailed build and test records, and travel roughly 20–30% of the time to support events, tracks, and off-site programs. 

Responsibilities

• Instrument engineering vehicles with data acquisition systems and sensors to support drive data collection and analysis 
• Safely remove, inspect, and reinstall high-voltage battery packs and drive units on engineering prototype vehicles 
• Support engineering teams by preparing and maintaining vehicles for test and development programs 
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems on engineering vehicles 
• Execute repairs and modifications to EV components including brakes, suspension, and drivetrain systems in support of engineering objectives 
• Perform fabrication work including cutting, welding, and fitting custom or prototype parts 
• Disassemble, inspect, rebuild, and reassemble dampers and suspension components to support vehicle dynamics testing 
• Operate and interpret EV diagnostic tools and software to assist in engineering evaluations 
• Maintain detailed records of vehicle builds, modifications, and test configurations 
• Travel to support engineering events, test tracks, or off-site development programs as needed (approximately 20-30% of the time)

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as an automotive technician with exposure to engineering or prototype vehicle programs 
• Experience safely handling and removing high-voltage battery packs and drive units 
• Experience instrumenting vehicles with data acquisition hardware and sensors for engineering data collection 
• Strong understanding of EV systems including battery management, power electronics, and motor systems 
• Hands-on fabrication experience including welding, cutting, and custom or prototype part fitting 
• Experience with damper disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and reassembly in a test or development environment 
• Ability to work closely with engineers, interpret technical documentation, and execute builds to specification 
• Proficiency with EV diagnostic tools and engineering test equipment 
• A detail-oriented mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving engineering environment 
• A valid driver's license with a clean driving record 

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

Expected Compensation

$24.40 - $65.40/hour + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.