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 Medical plans with zero payroll deduction Family‑building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans with zero paycheck contribution Company‑paid Health Savings Account contributions Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits Company‑paid basic life and AD&D Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance Employee Assistance Program Sick and vacation time (flexible for salary positions, accrued for hourly), paid holidays Backup childcare and parenting support resources Voluntary benefits: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, pets 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr