Sr. Thermal Test Engineer

Overview

On Site
Depends on Experience
Contract - Independent
Contract - W2
Contract - 12 Month(s)

Skills

CATIA
Thermal Management
Testing
Thermodynamics
Verification And Validation
Mechatronics

Job Details

What to Expect
Join our diverse, enthusiastic, and growing team of multi-disciplinary engineers at Tesla, where we accelerate the world's transition to sustainable abundance creating an era of clean, plentiful energy for all. You'll contribute by validating the reliability, performance, and durability of thermal systems that form the backbone of our self-driving vehicles and AI technologies. These systems ensure efficient cooling for batteries, AI hardware, and components in autonomous driving, enabling reliable operation in real-world conditions. With opportunities to work across various development programs, you'll thrive in Tesla's innovative, fast-paced environment, often collaborating beyond your core role to drive progress.
What You ll Do
  • Lead hardware validation and testing for thermal management components and subsystems, including compressors, A/C lines, heat exchangers, hoses, coolant pumps, HVAC blowers, and electronic valves. Identify potential failure modes and collaborate with design partners to implement effective improvements
  • Oversee the build and testing of thermal system test bucks, creating modular setups for component-, system-, and vehicle-level evaluations
  • Develop and maintain test software in Python for automation, data collection, analysis, and post-processing; refine our pytest-based automation codebase to interact with devices and support reliability testing
  • Design and build custom test fixtures to enable efficient, modular, and repeatable validation processes
  • Integrate test equipment such as power supplies, environmental chambers, DAQs, sensors, and related instrumentation into automated test setups, ensuring seamless connectivity and data accuracy for high-fidelity validation
  • Conduct hands-on debugging of test setups and equipment; perform root cause analysis on failures and issues affecting both test hardware and the device under test to enable rapid resolutions and iterative improvements
  • Manage the full testing lifecycle from setup to execution and reporting, including planning, development, inspections, root cause analysis, data processing, and full-vehicle interactions for software validation and thermal system reliability
  • Document test findings clearly and communicate them promptly to cross-functional teams; conduct root cause analysis on failures and partner with design,software, failure analysis, reliability teams, and suppliers to develop corrective actions
  • Track validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and update program managers on progress, risks, and blockers
What You ll Bring
  • Bachelor s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • Proficiency in coding for test automation and data post-processing, with hands-on experience in Python and/or C. Familiarity with pytest for maintaining robust automation codebases
  • Foundation in thermodynamics, including refrigeration and coolant systems
  • Knowledge of working principles for common thermal components, including operation, testing, and characterization
  • Experience with standard lab and test equipment, such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, and temperature sensors
  • Experience in high-voltage and low-voltage component validation (e.g., inverters, power electronics, motors)
  • Prior work with CAN communication protocols and test setups
  • Design experience using CAD software such as CATIA or SOLIDWORKS
  • Background in full vehicle testing for thermal system validation, testing, and reliability
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