Thermal Test Engineer

Description

We are a fast-growing, diverse team of multi‑disciplinary engineers dedicated to advancing Tesla’s mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy—specifically through the validation of thermal systems for our vehicle programs. From concept to production, our team ensures the functionality, performance, and durability of critical Autopilot hardware across all Tesla vehicle platforms.

• Own and drive hardware validation efforts for thermal management for the AP chip and silicon level cooling systems. Your job is to figure out how these products could fail and to collaborate with design partners to drive changes.
• Test, debug, and validate vehicle thermal hardware and firmware at the component, system, and full vehicle levels—including the debugging and validation of Tesla‑designed testing equipment and systems within a dedicated test infrastructure for comprehensive validation and performance.
• Write and maintain test software to automate test execution, data collection and data analysis. Optimize test setups and infrastructure, driving continuous improvements and greater efficiency in validation processes.
• Manage tests from setup through execution and reporting, including test planning, traceability, development, execution, inspections, root‑cause analysis, and data processing.
• Ensure test findings are well‑documented and quickly communicated to external teams, root‑cause test failures and work with design and software partners, failure analysis lab, reliability team and potentially suppliers to arrive at a corrective action.
• Develop and maintain validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and communicate status/blockers to program managers.
• Actively engage with teams across the organization to seek assistance, identify company tools, and propose process enhancements that elevate our testing setups and overall validation processes.

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience in CAN communication, including hands‑on experience with network configuration, integration, and troubleshooting within automotive or similar embedded systems environments.
• Coding experience with Python, Pytest, Git, and/or
  
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• Experience using standard lab and test equipment such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, temperature sensors. Experience in thermodynamics with an understanding of refrigeration and coolant systems. Working principals of common thermal components.
• Experience configuring and maintaining Jenkins pipelines to streamline development and support continuous integration processes is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with Linux‑based development environments and command‑line tools for managing test equipment, running automated tests, and debugging hardware/system issues.
• Experience working with high‑voltage and low‑voltage component validation (inverters, power electronics, motors).
• Experience using controlled environmental chambers to perform validation tests, develop and execute test plans, and verify system performance under varying conditions. Familiarity with applying electrical engineering principles to troubleshoot and validate both vehicle systems and test infrastructure setups is a plus.

Intermediate Level

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)