Test Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Test EngineerLocation: Palo Alto ,CA Duration: Long termJob DescriptionWe 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 teamsPartner with internal teams to develop cell and pack designs that meet safety and abuse specificationsDefine and communicate test plans, resource requirements, and timelines for each program phase based on risk and schedulePresent results and design recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and executivesDevelop tests tailored to pack architectures (geometric, thermal, electrical) to study failure mode frequency, severity, and mechanismsRecommend new methods to deepen our understanding of failure modesInvestigate failure modes and propose strategies to deepen organizational understandingCollaborate with technicians and test systems engineers to optimize tests, identifying opportunities for improved design, throughput, data fidelity, and integrityEnhance statistical frameworks, results databases, and visualization tools for more robust decision-makingDesign test setups and instrumentation to improve model validation, accuracy, and utilityWhat You’ll Bring:-Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience2+ 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 fundamentalsHands-on experience with fabrication, modification, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and inspectionProficiency with instrumentation and data acquisition systemsStrong collaboration and leadership skills; comfortable guiding cross-functional teams and techniciansAbility to plan and execute multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environmentExperience with Matlab or PythonProficiency in CAD for fixture or test designKnowledge of SQL or database management