Sr. Mechanical Systems Engineer, Efficiency, Drive Systems

You will set the technical direction for how DSE measures, models, and improves drive unit efficiency, and own the bench-to-fleet correlation that backs every efficiency claim. You will identify losses, propose system and component-level changes, and validate the gains on hardware. Scope spans motor, gearbox, lubrication, thermal, and oil pump architecture.

This is a hands-on systems role. You will spend significant time in the lab and on the dyno, designing fixtures, instrumenting drive units, running tests, and digging into raw data. You will also build and maintain the analytical and 1D models needed to spot opportunities, size them, and interpret results. Projects can be open-ended, and the individual must thrive in a challenging environment.

Our world-class engineering teams operate with a non-conventional automotive product development philosophy of high interdisciplinary collaboration, flat organizational structure, and technical contribution at all levels. You will be expected to challenge and to be challenged, to create, to innovate. You must want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company. We are building real products. This must excite you. You'll work alongside accomplished, world-renowned engineers on perhaps the most exciting automotive programs in existence today.

• Define the efficiency roadmap across current and next-generation drive units, identifying the highest-leverage loss-reduction opportunities and sequencing them against program timing
• Drive system and component-level design decisions that move efficiency at the customer-facing range number: motor cooling, bearing and seal selection, lubrication strategy, sump and pump architecture, and thermal management
• Own the methodology for efficiency modeling (hand calcs, 1D system models, drive cycle simulation) and bench correlation across DSE; ensure models stay trustworthy as tooling and program count grow
• Design, instrument, and execute dyno tests for efficiency mapping, spin loss, and component-level loss characterization, owning the test method end to end
• Validate efficiency design changes on hardware. Build the test plan, run the comparison, and report whether the change delivers the predicted gain
• Translate vehicle range (Wh/mi) targets into component-level loss budgets across motor, gearbox, lubrication, and thermal, and track delivery against them program by program
• Run efficiency trade studies across the drive unit (motor and magnet design, gear mesh and bearing selection, lubrication architecture, thermal and pump strategy), grounded in measured data, with clear range and cost impact
• Partner with motor, gearbox, lubrication, thermal, power electronics, and firmware teams to prioritize and execute the improvements that move the customer-facing range number
• Represent DSE efficiency in cross-org reviews, defending trade-off decisions to motor, gearbox, vehicle, and program leadership and converting leadership input into engineering action. Coordinate with DSE teams globally to scale efficiency methodology, test plans, and lessons learned across regions
• Analyze fleet telemetry to confirm production drive units meet predicted efficiency and feed lessons learned into the next program

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in electric drive unit, powertrain, or rotating-machinery efficiency, with a track record of shipping efficiency improvements into production
• Hands-on lab and dyno experience: designing fixtures, instrumenting hardware (torque, temperature, pressure, flow), and producing high-confidence data
• Demonstrated track record of identifying, leading, and shipping efficiency improvements on multiple programs Strong fundamentals in rotating machinery, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and tribology; working understanding of electric machine and gearbox loss mechanisms
• Comfortable creating and executing DVP&R and DOE
• Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent. Comfortable with large fleet and dyno datasets
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD (CATIA 3DX preferred)
• Physics-based mentality, able to reason from first principles when models or data disagree
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic 1D system modeling is a plus. Experience with 3D CFD is a plus
• Experience with electric machine design, gearbox design, or power electronics efficiency is a plus. Automotive industry experience is a plus

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

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.