Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware Tesla Motors, Inc. 91600 - 195600 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Oct 31, 2026

What to Expect You will take engineering ownership of AP camera integration, exterior glass systems and electromechanical systems required to keep ADAS sensors clear for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. The work spans current and future programs, from concept through volume production. You will design and integrate exterior glass systems, sensors, heating systems, sealing architecture, AP cameras and optomechanical cleaning systems with sensor housings and closures architecture. You will run virtual (CAE) and physical validation, including fleet data collection, and work with body, closures, Autopilot, electrical, controls, software, thermal, antenna, mechanisms, interiors, sealing, and manufacturing to deliver glass, camera integration and cleaning designs that meet appearance, function, quality, cost, and weight, and that support vehicle safety. What You'll Do

Lead integration and validation of novel sensor cleaning systems for camera modules across vehicle platforms; investigate cleaning technologies and validate them on fleet vehicles

Design and validate mechanisms that meet Autopilot requirements and integrate them with sensor housings and glazing; write specifications and accelerated test plans for lifetime validation

Prototype quickly and take concepts through volume production; continuously improve systems with novel solutions backed by first principles, with a focus on performance, manufacturability and cost

Own exterior glass systems development: conceptualize, design, engineer, and launch glazing and exterior panel systems

Set system architecture and function from market research, design feasibility, and prototyping, and iterate with Design and Styling on form, function, and quality

Optimize heater grids, coatings, and interlayers for performance and optical quality

Run CAE, interpret results, and iterate until targets are met; apply DFM and design for high-volume glass processes

Research improvements in product performance and functionality to maintain Tesla's innovation in exterior glass systems

Manage internal and external suppliers: technical reviews, DFMEA, DFM/DFA, timeline commitments, and prototype and production build events

Meet exterior systems, camera functionality and cleaning targets for appearance, function, quality, cost, weight, and durability, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure all attribute requirements are met What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent experience

At least 3 years in consumer or automotive product design with a record of taking mechanical designs from concept to production. Hands-on prototyping and validation of next-generation automotive cleaning technologies is required

Proficiency in 3D CAD and engineering drawings. CATIA (V5/3DX) is preferred. Strong GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis

Understanding of polymers, seals, and fluid dynamics for cleaning systems, and of mechanics of materials, DFM across commodities, and high-volume manufacturing. Glass, polycarbonate, or ceramics process experience is a plus

Experience with environmental testing (IP67, thermal cycling, vibration) and the ability to interpret CAE/NVH results and fold them into the design

Experience collaborating with suppliers, including mechanism development

Clear communication, resourcefulness, and the ability to drive projects in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to point to process or project improvements you led

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

Earned Wage Access:

Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation

$91,600 - $195,600/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. Notify me of jobs like this