Cell Mechanical Design Engineer, Energy Products

Tesla Motors, Inc.
91,600 - 199,020 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Jan 27, 2026
What to Expect Battery Cells are the common denominator for every Tesla product. Our product requirements demand ground-up cell architectures with state-of-the-art performance, manufactured at volumes that are orders of magnitude higher than the products they power. Our environment is fast-paced and incredibly exciting, so being passionate and self-motivated to push your limits is critical. Our team works with engineering groups across various disciplines, requiring strong communication skills and a team-first mentality. You will work alongside seasoned industry experts, high aptitude recent graduates, and people from every stage in between. We look for anyone with an exceptional ability to solve problems in both individual and team settings. Tesla's cell engineering team is looking for a highly motivated engineer to lead the mechanical design and validation of new battery cell designs. In this role you will focus on optimizing the mechanical design of battery cells to maximize the performance and manufacturability of Tesla's products. What You'll Do Lead end to end Li ion cell mechanical design, own CAD models, 2D drawings, tolerance analysis, and datum establishment using tools like GD&T, ASME Y14.5 Drive key engineering decisions with Tesla teams and external cell manufacturers to push new cell designs from concept to mass production, lead design validation, including test method development, data analysis, and DFMEA Collaborate with Tesla teams and external cell vendors to define mechanical requirements including dimension, thermal, reliability, and safety requirements for new battery cell designs. Negotiate requirements and final product specifications with cell manufacturers Develop cell mechanical characterization plans; design test fixtures and DOEs, and partner with FEA team to quantify cell mechanical fundamentals (e.g., swelling, PPR) Lead root-cause analysis and DOEs to develop design fix solutions and corrective actions; drive design reviews and release process What You'll Bring Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience Strong engineering fundamentals in solid mechanics and heat transfer Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (CATIA V5/V6 a plus) and basic knowledge of GD&T Working knowledge of properties and applications for common engineering metals and polymers. Demonstrated success working with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams Direct experience in design and validation of high-volume parts manufacturing and assembly, design collaboration with external vendors, test design and set up, or structural / thermal FEA a plus Quarterly overseas travel expected Compensation and Benefits 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 - $199,020/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.