Thermal Engineer

What To Expect
Join the innovative Thermal Engineering Team at Tesla, the driving force behind groundbreaking technologies like the Tesla Heat Pump, Supermanifold, Octovalve, Superbottle, Airwave, and Bioweapon Defense Mode. This multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, aerodynamics, thermal, and analytics engineers collaborates across all phases of development—from idea inception to prototyping, production, and fleet support. As a Thermal R&D Engineer, you will focus on system-level thermal architecture, including radiators, refrigerant heat exchangers, compressors, fans, and pumps, to support cabin, battery, and powertrain systems across all Tesla vehicles. This role involves working with a cross-functional team to deliver cutting-edge thermal components and systems that optimize efficiency, performance, reliability, and safety.

What You'll Do

Conduct testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing for vehicle HVAC, coolant, refrigerant, and other thermal systems

Develop thermal models for hardware optimization, controls, and diagnostics

Analyze system performance to enhance vehicle efficiency and supercharge capability

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve occupant comfort and NVH

Support prototyping and production phases with innovative thermal solutions

Contribute to the design and validation of thermal components for reliability and safety

What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or equivalent experience

Strong first principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics

Relevant experience in thermal system design and analysis

Proficiency in developing numerical models for thermal and fluid systems

Hands-on experience with experimental characterization of heat exchangers and thermal components

Benefits
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

Expected Compensation

$91,600 - $195,600/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

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