Battery Cell Test Engineer, Abuse Testing

Join our team as a Test Engineer, executing hands-on battery-scale thermal and mechanical destructive safety testing in collaboration with engineering technicians. You would own the test lab and develop novel test and measurement techniques. In this role, you would set up and run tests, perform post-test analysis, troubleshoot issues, and develop chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical testing protocols - directly impacting product safety and accelerating Tesla's next-gen products to market. Tesla is committed to hiring diverse talent and seeks self-motivated, disciplined team players with strong communication skills who innovate, challenge others, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with real hardware, ensuring rapid feedback loops and meeting aggressive deadlines. This role is based at Tesla's San Diego site in Kearny Mesa.

• Create test plans to meet design engineering data needs by specifying, ordering, and maintaining lab equipment while adhering to EHS guidelines
• Develop SOPs for streamlined and standardized test flows for data quality, while innovating novel measurement techniques by automating test system code and data flows
• Lead engineering technicians in safe test execution
• Follow test plans to set up experiments, data acquisition systems (measuring temperature, pressure, heat flux, voltage, video/audio), and sensors
• Execute destructive tests, gather and analyze data, while making observations and reporting results to engineering
• Operate cold gas, pull test, and thermal testing equipment to conduct mechanical and thermal evaluations
• Perform failure analysis, operate metrology tools (e.g., optical microscope) and CT/X-ray machines for measurements
• Conduct teardown inspections, document findings, and troubleshoot issues during execution
• Update stakeholders on progress and blockers
• Collaborate with teams on test builds, preparation, and instrumentation

• Degree or Equivalent Experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, prefer experience with heat transfer and electrical fundamentals
• 4+ years' experience in lab/machine shop settings with in-depth knowledge of product design, root cause analysis, and resolution pathways
• Enjoys collaborating and working in cross-functional groups and leading/working alongside technicians
• Proficient in hand/power tools, sensor instrumentation (e.g., TCs, PTs, heat flux, gas), mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, troubleshooting, and delicate tasks like cell openings/inspections
• High awareness of hazards, EHS procedures, and lab safety
• Knowledgeable in energy storage device testing (Li-ion batteries, high voltage systems, hazardous materials) a plus
• Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping, organizational, and communication skills
• Working knowledge of MS Office, SharePoint, JIRA, and applications for post processing test data
• Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition (e.g., NI LabVIEW)
• Ability to travel to Tesla test sites (<10%) for on-site testing and comfortable lifting up to 20 lbs1

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

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.