Passive Safety Test Engineer

What To Expect
As a Passive Safety Test Engineer at Tesla, you will work in our crash test and dynamic sled test laboratories. You will be responsible for conducting both crash testing and sled testing required to develop and validate vehicle components, restraint systems, and overall vehicle safety performance. This position requires a high attention to detail, comprehensive knowledge of crash physics, and the ability to manage complex test programs across multiple testing methodologies. You will coordinate test execution across both facilities, working closely with test technicians for day-to-day test responsibilities, and collaborate with program managers, CAE teams, and product engineers on test planning, execution, data processing, and reporting. This is a challenging role that demands versatility, technical excellence, and a passion for saving lives.

What You'll Do

Lead the preparation, set up, and execution for both full-scale crash testing and sled testing, configuring and operating specialized test equipment across both facilities
Work closely with program managers to plan for necessary test samples and coordinate test schedules, effectively handling multiple priorities, organizing workload, and meeting deadlines
Divide up and precisely communicate day-to-day test-related responsibilities among the technician group to maintain daily lab efficiency and keep up with a challenging test schedule
Process and interpret test data from both crash and sled testing, generating the appropriate graphs and plots required to communicate test results
Write comprehensive test reports and/or e-mail summaries, documenting the results of testing and communicating any issues identified during testing
Identify test incidents, write test incident reports, and continually monitor the quality and integrity of all data produced
Work with internal engineering teams to develop and validate performance of the vehicle and its passive safety systems, collaborating with CAE and product engineers on test request generation, data processing, and reporting
Lead and support post-test tear downs and inspections, documenting and reporting results
Develop/improve the supporting processes, procedures, and test documentation while supporting lab improvement projects focused on execution efficiency and test quality
Operate and maintain safe working practices and environment, always considering the safety of yourself and other employees


What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience, with 2+ years of relevant experience in vehicle safety or vehicle safety-focused graduate program
Deep understanding of vehicle safety concepts, analysis tools, crash data interpretation, and video data analysis to generate valuable outputs
Experience in test development, instrumentation, and working in cross-functional teams to drive product development
Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) to effectively interact with engineering and test teams, both within and outside Tesla, across a variety of cultures in all forms (verbal, calls, texts, emails)
Experience executing, interpreting, and reporting on vehicle safety testing according to homologation and ratings protocols (e.g., FMVSS, ECE, US NCAP, IIHS, etc.) is strongly preferred
Working knowledge of CAD and structural analysis software (CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar) is strongly preferred
A go-getter attitude, fine attention to detail, desire to do things right, and a genuine passion for saving lives
Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 10%)
Valid driver's license and clean driving record


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.

, Tesla
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