About the role#
As a thermofluids analyst on the Safety Systems Design Team, you will model and drive the design of battery energy systems. Your work focuses on abusive and thermal-runaway scenarios to support the safety performance of Tesla Energy products. You will act as a physics-based guide to help create end-to-end safety cases. This role requires collaboration with systems engineering, electrical and firmware teams, and abuse testing groups.
What you'll do#
- Own in-depth modeling of gas distribution, combustion dynamics, and thermal propagation to drive design decisions for new and existing battery systems.
- Balance physics-based 1D analytical models with higher fidelity CFD/FEA and empirical approaches to drive product safety and performance.
- Anchor modeling results to test data to validate models and ensure accuracy.
- Collaborate with design engineers to iterate on strategies and optimize performance metrics at the component and system level.
- Support programs through the full life cycle, including spec development, prototype builds, testing, and production.
- Assist in the execution of system safety FMEA and design validation plans in coordination with validation and safety test engineering teams.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- First principles understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, combustion dynamics, and thermodynamics.
- Experience with MATLAB or Python for building physics-based 1D models.
- Strong fundamentals in FEA/CFD with demonstrated experience.
- Experience with STAR CCM, FDS, and FLACS is preferred.
- Experience modeling, testing, or designing batteries or similar high-energy, safety-critical systems.
- CAD modeling experience is preferred.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes and practical design limitations.
- Ability to relate modeling results to design ramifications and product-level impacts.
- Strong technical communication skills and a bias toward action.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Winter, Spring, or Summer 2027.
- Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week) on-site for a minimum of 12 weeks.
About Tesla
Tesla produces electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, the company operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and employs over 10,000 people. The organization designs, manufactures, sells, and services its products internally.
How to get in at Tesla
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