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Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware

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

BS-level Product Development roles on Crosslinked list a median of $120k (256 that show pay).

Design and validate exterior glass systems, camera integration and sensor cleaning mechanisms for Autopilot, from concept to production.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Take novel sensor cleaning and heated glazing designs from concept through volume production, validated on fleet vehicles.

Might not be for you. Mainly mechanical design and integration; materials work is a small part of the role.

GeneralistFast-paced BS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleOptimize heater grids, coatings, and interlayers for optical quality; glass/polycarbonate process experience; understanding of polymers, seals, mechanics of materials

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
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
3+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Product Development
Techniques
environmental testing (IP67, thermal cycling, vibration)
Benefits
stock awardsEmployee Stock Purchase Planfertility/family-building benefits

Role details

What to Expect

You will take engineering ownership of AP camera integration, exterior glass systems and electromechanical systems required to keep ADAS sensors clear for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. The work spans current and future programs, from concept through volume production.

You will design and integrate exterior glass systems, sensors, heating systems, sealing architecture, AP cameras and optomechanical cleaning systems with sensor housings and closures architecture. You will run virtual (CAE) and physical validation, including fleet data collection, and work with body, closures, Autopilot, electrical, controls, software, thermal, antenna, mechanisms, interiors, sealing, and manufacturing to deliver glass, camera integration and cleaning designs that meet appearance, function, quality, cost, and weight, and that support vehicle safety.

What You'll Do

  • Lead integration and validation of novel sensor cleaning systems for camera modules across vehicle platforms; investigate cleaning technologies and validate them on fleet vehicles
  • Design and validate mechanisms that meet Autopilot requirements and integrate them with sensor housings and glazing; write specifications and accelerated test plans for lifetime validation
  • Prototype quickly and take concepts through volume production; continuously improve systems with novel solutions backed by first principles, with a focus on performance, manufacturability and cost
  • Own exterior glass systems development: conceptualize, design, engineer, and launch glazing and exterior panel systems
  • Set system architecture and function from market research, design feasibility, and prototyping, and iterate with Design and Styling on form, function, and quality
  • Optimize heater grids, coatings, and interlayers for performance and optical quality
  • Run CAE, interpret results, and iterate until targets are met; apply DFM and design for high-volume glass processes
  • Research improvements in product performance and functionality to maintain Tesla's innovation in exterior glass systems
  • Manage internal and external suppliers: technical reviews, DFMEA, DFM/DFA, timeline commitments, and prototype and production build events
  • Meet exterior systems, camera functionality and cleaning targets for appearance, function, quality, cost, weight, and durability, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure all attribute requirements are met

What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • At least 3 years in consumer or automotive product design with a record of taking mechanical designs from concept to production. Hands-on prototyping and validation of next-generation automotive cleaning technologies is required
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD and engineering drawings. CATIA (V5/3DX) is preferred. Strong GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Understanding of polymers, seals, and fluid dynamics for cleaning systems, and of mechanics of materials, DFM across commodities, and high-volume manufacturing. Glass, polycarbonate, or ceramics process experience is a plus
  • Experience with environmental testing (IP67, thermal cycling, vibration) and the ability to interpret CAE/NVH results and fold them into the design
  • Experience collaborating with suppliers, including mechanism development
  • Clear communication, resourcefulness, and the ability to drive projects in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to point to process or project improvements you led

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
  • Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

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.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware 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 Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware role at Tesla based?

This role is based in Palo Alto, CA.

What degree is required for the Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware role at Tesla?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware role require?

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

What polymers or materials does this Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware role work with?

polymers, seals, glass.

What techniques or methods are required for this Mechanical Design Engineer, Vision Hardware role?

environmental testing (IP67, thermal cycling, vibration).