Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, Infrastructure Design

What to Expect

As a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, you will spearhead the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems for infrastructure projects in Fremont, California. In this senior‑level role, you'll collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver designs that meet stringent performance, reliability, and regulatory standards, with a focus on California‑specific requirements.

As part of the EPC group, this team is focused on designing, collaborating, and building the first home of Optimus while continue to support critical vehicle programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mechanical engineering principles, CAD/BIM modeling, and innovative problem‑solving in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

• Lead the mechanical design process for complex infrastructure programs, from conceptualization and detailed design using tools like Revit to final implementation
• Perform advanced analyses, including stress, thermal modeling, and tolerance stack‑ups, to ensure design integrity and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASME, ISO)
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to seamlessly integrate mechanical components into broader system architectures
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including CAD drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and engineering change orders (ECOs)
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs, iterating based on results and stakeholder feedback to enhance performance and reliability
• Ensure designs comply with California‑specific regulations, such as Cal/OSHA, CARB (California Air Resources Board), Title 24 energy codes, and seismic standards
• Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and promoting best practices in mechanical design and sustainable engineering
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for mechanical engineering tasks, delivering progress reports to senior leadership
• Stay current of emerging technologies and materials, incorporating sustainable practices (e.g., energy‑efficient materials aligned with California's green building codes)
• Support root cause analysis and failure investigations for mechanical issues in production or field environments, driving continuous improvement

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience;
  Professional Engineer (PE) license in California preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design engineering, including at least 3 years in a lead or senior‑level role; expertise in HVAC or process system design is highly desirable
• Proven design experience across diverse project types, such as industrial cooling tower systems, chiller plants, boiler plants, office spaces, mission‑critical/data centers, workplace amenities, high‑tech/R&D facilities, biotech/pharmaceutical environments, and industrial systems
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical 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, fans/blowers, control valves and instrumentation, hazardous exhaust systems, and heat recovery systems
• Familiarity with International Code Council (ICC) suite of codes (including Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, Fuel Gas, and Fire Codes) and California‑specific Title 24 codes
• Proficiency in relevant software tools, including HVAC load calculations, Revit, Pipe‑Flo, Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, and AutoCAD
• Construction administration experience, such as site observation visits and reviewing RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings
• Knowledge of ASHRAE and SMACNA handbooks and standards
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Advanced proficiency in CAD/BIM software (e.g., Revit) and engineering analysis tools
• Soft Skills:
  
  Exceptional problem‑solving abilities, effective communication skills for technical presentations, and a collaborative mindset for thriving in team environments

Along with competitive pay, as a full‑time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at…