Sr. Battery Propagation Resistance Test Engineer, Abuse Test & Engineering

Tesla•Palo Alto, CA

21d•$80,000 - $204,000

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to lead the evaluation and testing of battery propagation resistance across vehicle and energy storage programs. In this role, you will own the test process end-to-end—from design evaluation, test conception, planning, and execution, through to results analysis and collaboration on design decisions. You will also develop innovative test methods to investigate failure modes from a first-principles perspective and help define next-generation pack architectures. Your work will directly influence Tesla’s ability to rapidly launch and optimize cutting-edge products at scale.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
2+ years’ experience in physically applied-engineering (lab, machine shop, hobby project, etc.)
Strong problem-solving ability using first principles, with a foundation in heat transfer and electrical engineering fundamentals
Hands-on experience with fabrication, modification, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and inspection
Proficiency with instrumentation and data acquisition systems
Strong collaboration and leadership skills; comfortable guiding cross-functional teams and technicians
Ability to plan and execute multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
Experience with Matlab or Python
Proficiency in CAD for fixture or test design
Knowledge of SQL or database management

Responsibilities

Lead battery propagation resistance efforts on assigned programs in close collaboration with the cell and pack design, test, and manufacturing teams
Partner with internal teams to develop cell and pack designs that meet safety and abuse specifications
Define and communicate test plans, resource requirements, and timelines for each program phase based on risk and schedule
Present results and design recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and executives
Develop tests tailored to pack architectures (geometric, thermal, electrical) to study failure mode frequency, severity, and mechanisms
Recommend new methods to deepen our understanding of failure modes
Investigate failure modes and propose strategies to deepen organizational understanding
Collaborate with technicians and test systems engineers to optimize tests, identifying opportunities for improved design, throughput, data fidelity, and integrity
Enhance statistical frameworks, results databases, and visualization tools for more robust decision-making
Design test setups and instrumentation to improve model validation, accuracy, and utility

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