Mechanical Architect & Design Lead, AI Hardware

Description:
We are building the future of computing in partnering with SpaceX - a distributed, AI-optimized data center infrastructure operating in space. The terawatts orbital AI data center will be powered by Dojo - our custom supercomputer designed for the neural networks behind SpaceX, xAI, FSD, and Optimus.
We are seeking a visionary Mechanical Architect & Design Lead to spearhead the mechanical design, thermal management, and structural integration of our pioneering space-based AI data center project. In this high-impact role, you will transition computing infrastructure from traditional terrestrial environments to orbital platforms, overcoming the challenges of a vacuum environment to deliver sustainable, high-density AI compute. You will lead the design from concept through launch and on-orbit commissioning, focusing on passive and active thermal management, radiation shielding, and structural efficiency for Dojo D3-accelerated high power workloads.

Responsibilities:
Architectural Design Lead: Define and evolve the overall mechanical architecture of the orbital data center module, including structures, deployables, and thermal interfaces
Thermal Control Strategy: collaborate with thermal team to architect advanced thermal systems (liquid cooling, loop heat pipes, radiator arrays) to reject terawatts of heat into deep space in a vacuum environment where convective cooling is absent
High-Density Integration: Design high-density server rack layouts tailored for AI workloads, optimizing for both power efficiency and structural integrity during launch, maximizing compute capacity in a constrained volume
Environmental Survivability: Develop and oversee radiation shielding and thermoelastic structural analyses (FEA/CFD) to ensure hardware reliability in harsh space environments, managing thermo-mechanical interfaces
Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with electrical power, software, and orbital dynamics teams to create integrated systems, ensuring seamless communication between internal teams and external launch/aerospace vendors
Validation & Testing: Lead on-orbit verification planning and oversee ground-based environmental qualification testing (thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing)

Requirements:
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience
10+ years of experience in thermal-mechanical design, with 2+ years focused on satellite structural/thermal design or advanced high-density terrestrial data center cooling
Expertise in CAD (e.g., NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and FEA/CFD simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN) for space environments
Demonstrated experience in designing active/passive thermal control systems for high-heat-load electronics
Strong understanding of launch vehicle requirements and space-rated material selection
Ability to work on-site at Tesla’s Palo Alto office, contributing to a fast-paced, collaborative environment

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
$160,000 - $414,000/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.