Thermal Engineer, Data Centers, Energy Products Tesla Motors, Inc. 109,600 - 234,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Jul 31, 2026
What to Expect Tesla Energy is bringing battery, solar,andcharging technologies to the gridand datacenters,establishingnewindustriesand defining the future of renewable energy ecosystems. This team is at the forefront of how we will generate, distribute, and consume power today and in the future. Our team is composed of individuals who are fast-moving, self-motivated, who love to solve difficult problems, and are team players. As part of the Thermal Design Team, you will model and drive the design of the thermal systems, including air/coolant systems and refrigerant cycles, that help make Tesla Energy products world class, working with a highly motivated and interdisciplinary team that rethinks how thermal systems should be designed from the ground up. In this role, you will start with blank page designs and build up to the top-level system design ownership with a first principles design approach. Your expertise will be applied to everything from the high-level system layout and performance scoping to the detailed analysis of fluid, heat transfer, and thermodynamic fundamentals of heat pump cycle components and broader thermal system components. The role is collaborative and cross-functional, requiring extensive interfacing with teams including systems engineering, parallel design teams, electrical/firmware engineering, and validation tests, to name a few. This role requires the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to design thermal systems that are at the core of Tesla's success. What You'll Do
Ownin-depth modeling of fan/radiator systems, pumped coolant systems, and compression cycles to drive design concepts and detailed design decisions for next generation Tesla Energy thermal systems
Balance physics-based 1D analytical models with higher fidelity CFD/FEA and empirical approaches to efficiently drive to the fundamentals of thermodynamic cycles and optimize component performance
Collaborate with design engineers to iterate design strategies and optimize performance/system metrics at the detailed component level and subsystem level
Support programs through the entire life cycle including spec development, modeling, prototype builds, test, and production
Develop and support execution of component/subsystem DFMEA and design validation plans/methods to validate product adherence torequirements, in collaboration with parallel validation and systems engineering teams
Support creation of component/subsystem specifications and technical design documents What You'll Bring
Excellent first principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics with relevant experience
MATLAB and/or Python experience for building physics-based 1D models
Strong fundamentals in FEA/CFD with demonstrated experience
Experience modeling, testing and designing thermal components, such as single and multi-phase heat exchangers, compressors, fans, pumps, etc.
CAD modeling experience preferred, CATIA V5/6 a plus
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and practical design limitations
A detail-oriented personality with solid documentation and reporting skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment
Demonstrable motivation and ability to solve novel, difficult thermal design problems 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
$109,600 - $234,000/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.