Tesla is seeking a simulation expert to lead the technical execution and strategic direction of the Cell Thermal Modeling team. In this pivotal role you will serve as the technical authority for Teslas next-generation cell modeling efforts, bridging the gap between fundamental physics, cell design, and vehicle-level performance. You will act as a primary technical lead, providing high-level guidance to unblock the team on complex theoretical challenges while managing project timelines and resource allocation across multiple high-priority programs. You will architect the transition toward first-principles physics-based parameterization and ensure the team delivers critical insights that drive design decisions for both in-house and vendor cell programs.
Technical Leadership & Strategy
- Define and enforce the technical standards for the team, specifically driving the methodological shift from empirical curve-fitting to physics-based component parameterization.
Team Mentorship & Unblocking
- Serve as the primary technical escalation point for the team.
- Provide deep technical guidance to Senior Engineers to resolve roadblocks in numerical methods, code architecture, or complex thermal phenomena (e.g., hysteresis in non-ideal chemistries).
Program Management
- Coordinate resources and prioritize tasks across conflicting deadlines for both external vendor programs and internal in-house cell development.
- Ensure modeling milestones align with critical vehicle program gates.
Advanced Model Architecture
- Architect the frameworks for automated validation and simulation workflows.
- Review and approve code structure (Python, MATLAB) and modeling methodologies to ensure scalability and transferability.
Cross-Functional Alignment
- Act as the primary liaison between the thermal modeling team and Cell Design, Manufacturing, and Vehicle Systems teams.
- Translate high-level program goals into actionable modeling tasks.
Design Influence
- Proactively identify thermal risks and opportunities in early-stage designs.
- Lead feasibility studies for major architectural changes and material selections.
Communication
- Guide the team to synthesize complex technical data into clear strategic recommendations for executive leadership and program managers.
Education
- Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 7 years of experience in physics-based thermal modeling or computational engineering with a demonstrated track record of technical leadership.
Technical Mastery
- Expert-level knowledge of numerical methods, optimization, ODEs, PDEs, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
Project Leadership
- Proven track record of managing technical projects, creating timelines, and balancing resources in a resource-constrained, multi-project environment.
- Advanced architecture skills in Python, MATLAB, or Simulink, with the ability to review and guide code development.
- Expertise in CAE packages (COMSOL preferred, or ANSYS-FLUENT, Star-CCM+).
Mentorship
- Demonstrated ability to elevate the technical output of a team, mentor junior/senior engineers, and foster a collaborative, innovative culture.
Mindset
- A strategic thinker who can balance immediate firefighting on critical programs with long-term capability development.
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.
- Vision: Plans with options for 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).
- 401k 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
- $128,000 - $228,000 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.