Sr. Architectural Designer, R&D Workplace & Lab Design
Tesla
Palo Alto, California Posted October 27, 2026
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Job Description
Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled Sr. Architectural Designer to join our Creative Design team within the Infrastructure organization, with a focus on workplace projects and lab planning. You should be passionate about creating great design outcomes across a wide range of budgets and constraints, and approaches challenges with a proactive, can-do mindset. In this role, you will lead the design and delivery of workplace projects from early concept through construction. You will partner closely with internal cost estimating, engineering, and construction teams, as well as manage external consultants and vendors, to ensure projects are executed efficiently, creatively, and to a high standard of quality. You will be responsible for developing multiple concept-level design options, overseeing design workflows, coordinating design reviews, and delivering fully integrated permit and construction packages (IFP/IFC).
The ideal candidate brings a strong architectural background, a solid understanding of SMEP systems, and proven experience coordinating complex, multi-disciplinary projects. You need to be highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at identifying risks or barriers early then driving teams to resolution with speed and accountability. You thrive in collaboration and can bring people together across Design, Engineering, Construction, R&D, and Operations to align project outcomes with broader company priorities. This role requires someone who is not afraid to take on challenges and remains solutions-oriented in a fast-paced, demanding environment. Driven, disciplined, and passionate about delivering great projects are critical to success in this position.
Responsibilities:
Implement innovative architectural design solutions based on infrastructure knowledge and collaboration with Facilities Engineering, Construction, Self Perform, and other appropriate stakeholders to support aggressive program and construction schedules
Fundamentally understand stakeholder’s requirements and translate them into project deliverables
Own the full design and engineering efforts for infrastructure development, funding request, and construction from concept to delivery to meet our aggressive goals
Organize and manage design reviews, construction design packages and deliverables to support all aspects of construction: including scope of work, kick-off, MDR, 30%, 60%, 90%, IFP, IFC
Manage permitting and construction documents including transmittals and RFI’s
Coordinate project schedule with construction team based on Procurement and Construction requirements for the overall schedule success of the project
Manage all aspects of technical planning, scope development, change management, programming, design, and engineering services during construction
Build and maintain strong relationships with the various cross-functional teams to ensure overall program alignment
Understand different project delivery methods including design bid build, integrated project development, and fast track projects
Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, or equivalent experience, and experience with managing multi-disciplinary within A/E firms
Minimum 5 years of professional experience required
Highly proficient in modeling and rendering software, with the ability to quickly develop multiple design concepts
Fully understanding all engineering disciplines and proven ability with managing engineering resources and coordinating/managing complex MEP projects
Proven record in delivery of IFB, IFP and IFC packages
Excellent communication, documentation, and collaboration skills with ability to understand complex problems and distill the message into a clear plan amongst stakeholders including Facilities Engineering, BIM team, construction team, and end users
Project management skills, demonstrated application of project and program management fundamentals to complex engineering problems
Experience and familiarity with VDC approach to project management of manufacturing, industrial, R&D facilities, workplace and site infrastructure development is a plus
Positive, enthusiastic, fast learner, can-do mindset and passionate about building complex infrastructure
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
$116,000 - $210,000/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.
Required Skills
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