Engineering Technician, Drive Unit

The Drive Unit Test Team is seeking a skilled Engineering Technician to support the development and testing of Tesla's cutting-edge powertrain systems. As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with engineers to test and validate Drive Units across all consumer products. Your expertise will help drive innovation, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the reliability and performance of our products.
In this role, you will apply your technical knowledge to support the design and development of test plans, procedures, and protocols. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to iterate on product and test designs, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Your attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to think critically will be essential in identifying and resolving complex technical issues.
To succeed in this role, you must be a team player with excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and a passion for innovation. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities, and thriving in ambiguity. Your expertise will help us push the boundaries of drive unit performance, reliability, and safety.
The Drive Unit Test Team is committed to accelerating innovation and rapidly iterating designs. As an Engineering Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and meticulousness of our testing processes, combining engineering fundamentals with a scientific approach to experimental design, data collection, and analysis.


Responsibilities

• Conduct visual and functional inspections of drive units and associated parts to identify defects, irregularities, and areas for improvement
• Install drive units on Dynamometers, test, and analyze engineering prototypes to validate design assumptions and identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate with test engineers to develop and execute test plans, procedures, and protocols to validate drive unit performance and reliability
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including design, reliability, and test engineers, to identify and resolve technical issues and improve product design
• Provide clear and concise documentation of test results, inspection findings, and technical issues to support data-driven decision making
• Maintain a high standard of organization and safety in the lab, including inventory management, tooling, and equipment maintenance
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to increase efficiency and productivity
• Design, fabricate, and modify test fixtures and equipment to support drive system testing and validation
• Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in high voltage systems and electric vehicles
• You may travel to support lab expansion and testing activities at Bay Area and/or global Tesla facilities

Requirements

• Extensive practical experience in a similar role, with a strong background in engineering principles and practices
• High Voltage training or demonstrated working knowledge of high voltage DC systems, electric drive units, and associated safety protocols
• Proficient in mechanical fabrication, with experience in machine shop operations and expert-level skills with hand and power tools
• Ability to disassemble and reassemble electromechanical systems without instruction, demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude
• Familiarity with standard electronics lab tools, including AC/DC meters, data acquisition systems, and AC/DC power supplies
• Experience with wiring harness design and fabrication, including soldering, crimping, and following wiring diagrams
• Strong understanding of physics and engineering fundamentals, with the ability to apply principles to solve complex problems
• Excellent documentation and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with LabVIEW or Python or similar is a plus
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, with frequent standing, walking, and bending in a fast-paced lab environment

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:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

$24.40 - $65.40/hour, depending on level + 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.