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Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods

Tesla · Fremont, CAtoday
$92k – $196kfrom the posting

BS-level Product Development roles on Crosslinked list a median of $117k (206 that show pay).

Design seating and interior soft goods systems (foam, trim, textiles) from concept to production

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Full lifecycle ownership of seating soft goods — foam, trim, bolsters — on a high-volume EV program.

Might not be for you. Mechanical-design heavy (CATIA, GD&T, DFMEA) rather than materials R&D; tight timelines and broad cross-functional scope.

GeneralistFast-paced BS acceptableSenior hires only

Heads-up: Very wide pay range

Adjacent materials rolefamiliarity with polyurethane foam, artificial leather, textiles, and carpets; develop soft goods systems including foam, trim, bolsters

H-1B filings

Tesla filed 1,327 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Sr Manufacturing Engineer, Sr Process Engineer, Sr Mechanical Design Engineer. Median filed pay: $138K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Senior
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
3+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Product Development
Benefits
$0 payroll deduction medical plans401(k) with employer match + ESPPfamily-building/fertility benefits

Role details

What to Expect

You will develop soft goods systems for vehicle cabin applications, including seating and interior systems. Scope includes but is not limited to foam, trim, bolsters, armrests, headrests, wrapped trim panels, and more. You will own system development from concept through production and work cross-functionally to deliver quality, durability, and sustainability.

What You'll Do

  • All phases of the product lifecycle from concept to production, including concept generation, concept selection, packaging and layout within vehicle, detailed design, validation, manufacturing feasibility, production process, and sustainability
  • Manage and negotiate product attributes for Safety, Functionality, Comfort, Craftsmanship, Cost, Mass, Schedule, and Sustainability
  • 3D CAD generation (e.g., CATIA) as well as 2D drawing creation, datum & fixation strategy, GD&T, and Bill of Materials ownership
  • Use and interpret CAE simulation results and integrate into product design, utilizing design tools such as DRBFM / DFMEA to enable robust products against their requirements
  • Participate in and manage collaborative efforts with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Procurement groups to ensure system integration and compatibility, including cross-functional technical communication with Commercial, Quality, and Supplier interfaces
  • Responsible for technical documentation creation for official use and communication

What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields, or equivalent experience
  • 3+ years of experience working with soft goods systems, including familiarity with polyurethane foam, artificial leather, textiles, and carpets
  • Completed full program lifecycle in past projects, from conceptualization to post-launch improvements
  • Understanding of automotive seating systems and their roles in system-level tradeoffs
  • Solid fundamentals of engineering: statics, kinematics, dynamics, materials, mechanisms, and GD&T
  • Experience or background with ergonomics, physiology, and comfort design highly valued
  • Proficiency in technical communication: 3D modeling, 2D schematics and drawings, hand sketching, hands-on prototyping, and data collection and presentation
  • Evidence of exceptional ability — organized, self-motivated, able to manage progression through tight timelines and navigate technical challenges with first-principles thinking

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

$91,600 - $195,600/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

Related roles

Common questions

What is the salary for the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods role at Tesla?

The listed annual base salary range is $92K–$196K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does Tesla sponsor H-1B visas?

Tesla has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods role at Tesla based?

This role is based in Fremont, CA.

What degree is required for the Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods role at Tesla?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods role require?

The posting calls for at least 3 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating Soft Goods role work with?

polyurethane foam, artificial leather, textiles, carpets.