Sr. Engineer, Lubricant Development, Drive Systems, Semi

The Drive System Engineering team is looking for a world class engineer (lubricant development and tribology background) specialized in but not limited to driveline lubricants, greases, and corresponding additive design and selection. This individual is expected to have in-depth understanding of lubricant formulations, base oils, additive componentry, additive package design, additive selection (for various applications), regular lubricant testing methods, and more importantly, first principle physics-based thinking and decision making. There are more and more lubricant related applications as Tesla is quickly growing in multiple sectors. It is paramount to design the best customized lubricant products along with Tesla's hardware applications to provide best in class performance and cost efficiency.
Our world-class engineering teams operate with a non-conventional automotive product development philosophy of high inter-disciplinary collaboration, flat organizational structure, and technical contribution at all levels. You will be expected to challenge and to be challenged, to create, to innovate.
You must want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company. We are building real products. This must excite you. We are not interested in traditional me too and marginal design thinking-first principle based fundamental thinking is key to succeed in Tesla innovation. You'll work alongside accomplished, world-renowned engineers on perhaps the most exciting automotive programs in existence today.
This position within the Drive Systems Engineering teamwork side by side with engineers to support the development of our world class drive units. Projects can be open-ended, and the individual must strive in a challenging environment.


Responsibilities

• Apply first principle physics based thinking and engineering fundamentals to lead design, develop, testing, and industrialization of innovative Tesla lubricant formulations, specialized in but not limited to driveline fluids and greases. The goal is to continue to develop the best in class lubricant products for Tesla
• Understand additive componentry, additive package design, and additive selection for various applications
• Understand the relationship between the lubricant formulation functions and hardware application requirements
• Develop lubricant componentry and property relationships and understand structural and property relationships
• Select, evaluate, and optimize material candidates (primarily for drive unit mateirals), including elastomers, engineering plastics, composites, adhesives, insulation materials, and coatings, working closely with the material, mechanical design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams
• Design, coordinate, and execute customized lubricant validation tests and testing matrix for lubricant development and lubrication model validation
• Lubricant analysis and lubricant lab operation
• Prepare and manage materials specifications, database, testing procedures, SOPs
• Work with cross functional teams and external suppliers to complete projects on time

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience in lubricant formulations (prefer driveline lubricants and/or greases), additive design, and additive selection
• Strong knowledge of lubricant formulations, base oil, additive componentry selection, additive package design, rheology, lubricant testing methods, lubrication fundamentals, design of experiment, and data analysis
• By applying first principle physics based thinking, analyze complex technical data and to derive clear technical decisions for lubricant projects and design projects
• Experience with variety of tribological testing a plus
• Experience creating and executing DVP&R and DOE to validate performance requirements a plus
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, etc.) a plus
• Drive unit component/system design and testing experience a plus
• STLE CLS and/or NLGI CLGS certificates a plus

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

$80,000 - $300,000/annual salary, 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.