Mechanical Design Engineer, Suspension Systems Development, Chassis

Tesla Motors, Inc.
92,720 - 159,600 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Jul 29, 2025
What to Expect Tesla is accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy and the Chassis Design Engineering team plays a critical part in that mission, helping to deliver a safe, efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience, while also focusing on the sustainability and value of Tesla's products. Collaboration, learning, and growth are core to the team's success. A Mechanical Design Engineer on the suspension systems development team is responsible for bringing parts or systems from concept to production and beyond with support from other engineering teams at Tesla. The engineer is responsible for taking a system approach to mechanical design and electromechanical integration of suspension control and actuation systems including but not limited to air suspension. Responsibilities include design, analysis, sourcing, prototyping, testing, vehicle assembly validation, quality control, engineering documentation, and more. There will be opportunities to learn and improve these skills through experience on the team. The engineer should be able to readily apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to creatively solve problems and learn quickly while managing their projects independently. We are looking for someone who will go beyond the status quo to make the best product in terms of cost, mass, and performance. The engineer should be able to communicate clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Hands-on experience is a major plus for engineering development work and addressing production issues. Some travel to suppliers may be required, including international travel. What You'll Do Develop system architecture and component designs for suspension control, damping systems, air suspension, leveling systems, and suspension sensing Establish, analyze, and tune self-diagnostic fault detection methods Incorporate functional safety (e.g. ISO 26262) into system analysis and architecture Create new features and behaviors in collaboration with firmware and integration engineers Develop and optimize designs in 3D CAD software with associated CAE tools Validate manufacturing, assembly, and service feasibility Complete and release component designs and documentation, including 2D drawings Validate components per defined engineering requirements Resolve issues and concerns with cross-functional teams including engineering, firmware, supply chain, production, and service Participate in the sourcing process and manage engineering relationships with suppliers What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience Proficiency in a 3D CAD software (CATIA is a plus) Basic knowledge of GD&T (proficiency is a plus) Experience with electromechanical systems, mechatronics, robotics, or similar Experience with component design, analysis, and validation Great technical and interpersonal communication Evidence of being a self-starter and bringing projects to completion Experience with valve design, compressor technologies, or linear actuators is a plus Knowledge of vehicle dynamics concepts and modeling is 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) 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 $92,720 - $159,600/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.