Sr. CAE Engineer, Drive Systems

Tesla

Palo Alto, California Posted October 30, 2026

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Hybrid Full-time Senior
Job Description

Description:
The Drive Systems team designs, optimizes, and engineers world class EV powertrains that push the boundaries of efficiency, performance, and time to market.  This can only be done with a deep understanding of engineering first principles and the ability to leverage finite element analysis early and often during the design process.
We are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer, CAE for our Drive Systems team. This is a hybrid role between a Mechanical Design Engineer and a CAE Analyst. You will analyze and optimize revolutionary vehicle designs never before executed, enabled by clean-sheet design methodology and Tesla’s innovative EV architecture. Tesla doesn’t work with the typical barriers between the Design and Engineering teams; at Tesla you are empowered to push boundaries by working closely with all groups involved and help drive for the best overall outcome.

Responsibilities:
Developing highly predictive finite element models in collaboration with a small team of design engineers
Performing modal, linear/non-linear, durability/fatigue, random vibration and shock analysis to evaluate structures and recommend design solutions that balance the needs of engineering, suppliers, and program management
Using first principle thinking and structural optimization to meet/exceed performance metrics, while minimizing weight and cost
Working with reliability and test to develop load cases and cycle counts to be used for CAE and component level test in order to satisfy program and industry requirements
Working with both internal and external testing groups for model verification and validation

Requirements:
5+ years of relevant industry experience
Strong working knowledge of finite element analysis techniques, solid mechanics, structural dynamics and numerical methods
Expert level component/system design analysis including modal, linear/non-linear static, durability/fatigue, random vibration and shock analysis
Experience with Nastran, Optistruct, LS-Dyna or similar FEM codes
Experience with Matlab or Python
Familiarity within 3D CAD software, preferably CATIA V5/6
Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines
A passion for a sustainable energy future and high performance, high efficiency vehicles

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
$109,600 - $234,000/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
mechanical engineering collaboration Linear project management testing system design MATLAB Python CATIA stress resistance
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