Thermal Engineer

Description

Join the innovative Thermal Engineering Team at Tesla, the driving force behind groundbreaking technologies like the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, and Bioweapon Defense Mode. This multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, thermal, and analytics engineers collaborates across all phases of development—from idea inception to prototyping, production, and fleet support. As a Thermal R&D Engineer, you will focus on system-level thermal architecture, including radiators, refrigerant heat exchangers, compressors, fans, and pumps, to support cabin, battery, and powertrain systems across all Tesla vehicles. This role involves working with a cross-functional team to deliver cutting-edge thermal components and systems that optimize efficiency, performance, reliability, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Conduct testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing for vehicle HVAC, coolant, refrigerant, and other thermal systems
• Develop thermal models for hardware optimization, controls, and diagnostics
• Develop firmware for diagnostics of vehicle thermal system and enable research and development testing and data collection
• Analyze system performance to enhance vehicle efficiency and HVAC / supercharge capability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve system reliability and field performance
• Support prototyping and production phases with innovative thermal solutions

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience
• Strong first principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics
• Relevant experience in firmware development
• Relevant experience in thermal system design and analysis
• Proficiency in developing numerical models for thermal and fluid systems
• Hands-on experience with experimental characterization of heat exchangers and thermal components

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation

$91,600 - $164,400/annual salary + 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.