Sr. Project Development Engineer, Data Center Power Systems, Tesla Energy

Description:
Tesla is leading the world's transition to sustainable energy through innovative energy storage solutions and renewable integration at an unprecedented scale. As a Senior Project Development Engineer, you will be at the forefront of designing next-generation power infrastructure for mission-critical facilities. You'll work on preliminary MV distribution concepts that integrate traditional reliability with cutting-edge renewable energy and battery storage solutions.
This role sits at the critical intersection of early-stage project development and technical feasibility—where your work directly influences multi-million-dollar proposals and set the foundation for reliable, sustainable data center operations. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams including sales, project engineering, construction, and customer technical teams to translate complex power requirements into actionable, reliable preliminary designs.
This position is based in either Austin, Texas, or Palo Alto, California, with potential travel to project sites and customer facilities (~20-30%).

Responsibilities:
Develop Preliminary MV Distribution Concepts: Create high-level one-line diagrams for data center electrical systems, establishing the backbone architecture for mission-critical power delivery
Design Redundancy Strategies: Plan and validate N+1, 2N, and other redundancy configurations to ensure 99.999% uptime targets are achievable within project constraints
Integrate Renewables & Energy Storage: Develop hybrid PV/BESS tie-in options at the MV level, optimizing for grid independence, cost savings, and sustainability goals
Power Density Planning: Estimate power density requirements and develop scalable electrical distribution strategies that accommodate current and future rack-level loads
UPS & Generator Coordination: Design preliminary integration schemes for uninterruptible power supplies and backup generation systems to ensure seamless power continuity
Preliminary Analysis & Modeling: Utilize ETAP, EasyPower, or similar tools to perform load flow studies, short-circuit analysis, and arc flash assessments during the conceptual phase
Grid Integration Studies: Evaluate utility interconnection requirements, renewable energy integration feasibility, and preliminary protection coordination schemes
Support Proposal Development: Partner with business development and sales teams to create technically sound, cost-effective power supply solutions for early-stage customer engagements while identifying technical risks and developing mitigation strategies before contractual commitments are established
Standards Compliance: Ensure all preliminary designs align with NEC, IEEE standards, and customer-specific mission-critical design criteria
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical, civil, controls, and software engineering teams to ensure holistic system integration while preparing design and technical specifications for deployment

Requirements:
Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in pre-construction or early-stage project development for mission-critical facilities (data centers, hyperscale facilities, colocation centers, or similar)
Strong knowledge of NEC (National Electrical Code), IEEE standards (IEEE 1547, 3002, 493, etc.), and industry best practices for mission-critical electrical systems including Uptime Institute Tier Classifications
Proficiency with electrical analysis software such as ETAP, EasyPower, SKM PowerTools, or equivalent for preliminary power system studies
Experience designing conceptual redundancy architectures (N+1, 2N, 2(N+1), distributed redundant configurations)
Working understanding of MV switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, and generator configurations for data center applications
Experience with grid interconnection studies and preliminary renewable energy integration (PV, BESS, or hybrid systems)
Excellent technical communication skills to present complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders and customers
Proven ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with competing priorities

Compensation & 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
$100,000 - $408,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.