Test Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Test Engineer
Location: Palo Alto ,CA
Duration: Long term

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to lead the evaluation and testing of battery propagation resistance across vehicle and energy storage programs. In this role, you will own the test process end-to-end—from design evaluation, test conception, planning, and execution, through to results analysis and collaboration on design decisions. You will also develop innovative test methods to investigate failure modes from a first-principles perspective and help define next-generation pack architectures. Your work will directly influence Tesla’s ability to rapidly launch and optimize cutting-edge products at scale.

What You’ll Do:-
Lead battery propagation resistance efforts on assigned programs in close collaboration with the cell and pack design, test, and manufacturing teams
Partner with internal teams to develop cell and pack designs that meet safety and abuse specifications
Define and communicate test plans, resource requirements, and timelines for each program phase based on risk and schedule
Present results and design recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and executives
Develop tests tailored to pack architectures (geometric, thermal, electrical) to study failure mode frequency, severity, and mechanisms
Recommend new methods to deepen our understanding of failure modes
Investigate failure modes and propose strategies to deepen organizational understanding
Collaborate with technicians and test systems engineers to optimize tests, identifying opportunities for improved design, throughput, data fidelity, and integrity
Enhance statistical frameworks, results databases, and visualization tools for more robust decision-making
Design test setups and instrumentation to improve model validation, accuracy, and utility

What You’ll Bring:-
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
2+ years’ experience in physically applied-engineering (lab, machine shop, hobby project, etc.)
Strong problem-solving ability using first principles, with a foundation in heat transfer and electrical engineering fundamentals
Hands-on experience with fabrication, modification, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and inspection
Proficiency with instrumentation and data acquisition systems
Strong collaboration and leadership skills; comfortable guiding cross-functional teams and technicians
Ability to plan and execute multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
Experience with Matlab or Python
Proficiency in CAD for fixture or test design
Knowledge of SQL or database management
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