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TM
Tesla Motors, Inc.
Sr. CAE Engineer, Chassis Systems
Career Insights for Mechanical Product Design Engineer
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What they do
A Mechanical Product Design Engineer is responsible for the mechanical design of a new product, with specific reference to the mechanical function of the final product. May also be partially responsible for engineering of materials, graphic design, ergonomics and aesthetics of the product.
$93,801 / year median in California
-4% projected decline
Job Description
Sr. CAE Engineer, Chassis Systems Tesla Motors, Inc. 91,600 - 316,800 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Aug 22, 2026
What to Expect The Chassis Design Engineering team is responsible for tires, wheels, hubs, halfshafts, steering, suspension, subframes, brakes, pedals/controls, and air suspension systems on all of Tesla's passenger car and heavy vehicle programs. Delivering those systems depends on a deep understanding of engineering first principles and the ability to leverage finite element analysis early and often during the design process. We are looking for a Sr. CAE Engineer for our Chassis team. This is a hybrid role between a Mechanical Design Engineer and a CAE Analyst. You will analyze and optimize revolutionary vehicle designs never before executed, enabled by clean-sheet design methodology and Tesla's innovative vehicle architecture. You will work as a generalist across chassis systems - structures at a minimum, and in-house development work such as actuators, steering gear, brakes, and related mechanisms as programs need it - and help build Chassis CAE methods and tools so the team can move faster with higher confidence. Tesla doesn't work with the typical barriers between the Design and Engineering teams; at Tesla you are empowered to push boundaries by working closely with all groups involved and help drive for the best overall outcome. Like other Mechanical Design Engineers on the team, you will operate end-to-end with engineering, supply chain, production, test, and service. Hands-on development work and production support are part of the job. Some travel to suppliers may be required, including international travel. What You'll Do
Developing highly predictive finite element models in collaboration with a small team of design engineers
Performing modal, linear/non-linear, durability/fatigue, random vibration, NVH CAE and crash analysis to evaluate components across various chassis sub-systems and recommend design solutions that balance the needs of engineering, suppliers, and program management
Using first principle thinking and structural optimization to meet/exceed performance metrics, while minimizing weight and cost
Translating analysis into design direction; making small geometry changes in CAD and growing design ownership over time
Developing and improving CAE methods, workflows, and tools for Chassis Engineering
Working with reliability and test to develop load cases and cycle counts to be used for CAE and component level test in order to satisfy program and industry requirements
Working with both internal and external testing groups for model verification and validation
Resolving issues with cross-functional teams including engineering, supply chain, production, and service; participating in supplier technical reviews as needed What You'll Bring
Degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience
Strong working knowledge of finite element analysis techniques, solid mechanics, structural dynamics and numerical methods
Expert level component/system design analysis including modal, linear/non-linear static, durability/fatigue, random vibration, NVH CAE, and Crash analysis
Experience with OptiStruct, Abaqus, LS-Dyna or similar FEM codes, nCode or equivalent fatigue post-processing and Matlab or Python for FEA pre/post-processing automation
Familiarity within 3D CAD software, preferably