Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls

What to Expect

The Tesla Vehicle Dynamics Controls team works on design and implementation of control algorithms and software that delivers the world-class vehicle dynamics attributes Tesla vehicles are known for. The control algorithms at Tesla are strongly physics oriented, so the role requires an individual that can apply first-principles analysis and advanced control techniques for the design and implementation of novel, industry-leading vehicle motion control systems (specifically, controlling brake, suspension, steering, aero, and powertrain systems).

This role will also require working cross-functionally with various groups including Chassis Hardware, Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling, Firmware, Systems Integration, and Self Driving teams. Some well-known systems our team has developed and shipped include an industry-first Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Steer system on the Cybertruck, Track Mode and torque vectoring for the Plaid Model S, Tesla's in-house stability control (VDC), multi-motor traction control, adaptive suspension damping, trailer sway control, and Self Driving actuator controls.

• Develop control-oriented models of chassis systems for analysis and estimation
• Analyze and simulate suspension system behaviors, incorporating vehicle dynamics principles.
• Evaluate novel subsystems related to vehicle motion to inform product architecture decisions
• Build and maintain Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) simulation environments to model vehicle dynamics, control algorithms, and state estimation
• Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize system capability and flexibility, and advance the state-of-the-art in vehicle motion control technology deployed in Tesla vehicles
• Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to maximize system safety and reliability
• Work with Firmware/Integration Engineers to test, debug, and calibrate the algorithms in simulation and in car
• Ensure stability and performance of the algorithms using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools, in the vehicle at proving grounds and in the customer fleet
• Assist in testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of control systems to improve vehicle performance

• Excellent background in first principles linear systems analysis, state-estimation, and control design
• Excellent fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics, specifically low and medium fidelity models to be used within a control algorithm
• Demonstrated ability to ground‑up design, analyze, implement, test, and debug control systems in real-world applications
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and execute on open-ended projects in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
• Basic understanding of the physics of electric drive trains, and chassis actuators like brakes, steering, suspensions, etc.
• Good proficiency with engineering development tools like Matlab/Simulink/Python
• Basic proficiency with software development in C/C++
• Real world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics, ideally with direct experience in developing, testing and tuning suspension controls
• Expertise in advanced control and estimation techniques, and optimal control, and control synthesis and deployment on embedded systems
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability

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…