Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Automated Test Equipment

What to Expect

We are looking for a highly motivated and hands‑on Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join the Manufacturing Test Engineering team – part of the “machine that builds the machine.” This team designs and builds robust, data‑driven test systems for Tesla's power electronics used in vehicles, energy storage, charging solutions, and humanoid robots. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, organized, and thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑responsibility environment.

They take pride in hands‑on problem solving, have strong analytical skills, and are eager to learn and share knowledge. This role requires flexibility and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally to support equipment development, deployment, and collaboration with global teams.

This position plays a key role in shaping the quality and performance of Tesla’s core technologies and is based at our Gigafactory in Reno, Nevada.

• Lead the mechanical design of automated test equipment, including architecture definition, detailed CAD modeling, and pneumatic schematics. Verify designs through structural and thermal FEA, CFD, and tolerance stack‑up analysis.
• Architect automated test equipment, produce detailed‑level CAD models, pneumatic diagrams, and verify designs using structural and thermal FEA and CFD.
• Conceptual equipment development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead‑time limits.
• Identify opportunities and implement performance, robustness, ease of assembly improvements.
• Analyze system constraints and propose innovative solutions.
• Support building, debugging, validation and equipment duplication efforts, and fine‑tune equipment for release to production.
• Conduct detailed testing and validation of installed machinery to ensure robustness and quality.
• Perform on‑site and off‑site acceptance testing (SAT/FAT) of test equipment.

• 5+ years’ experience as Mechanical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineer with focus in automation, machine design, robotics, and product development.
• Experience transitioning products and processes from prototype to production.
• Knowledge in solid mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, dynamics, material selection, prototyping, testing methods, everyday machining, and fabrication processes.
• Exposure to a wide variety of test systems, production machinery, industrial sensors, actuators, and equipment (pogo-pins, pressure transducers, temperature controllers, current meters, etc.).
• Versed in Solid Works, PDM, and Ansys, or similar CAD/CAE software.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Compensation and 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