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Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering

Tesla · Fremont, CAtoday
$51k – $117kfrom the posting

Run battery-scale thermal and mechanical destructive safety tests on vehicle and energy storage packs.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on destructive testing of full-scale EV and energy storage packs, with teardown analysis and direct safety impact.

Might not be for you. Very hands-on technician work with 10-50% travel to test sites; not a materials R&D or formulation role.

Mostly at the benchHands-on execution First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleExecute complex destructive testing... post-test teardown inspections... Experience with Li-ion batteries, high voltage systems

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
Technician
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Experience
2+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Quality / Testing
Benefits
$0 payroll deduction medical plans401(k) with employer matchEmployee Stock Purchase Plan

Role details

What to Expect

Come be a key player in a team that executes battery-scale thermal and mechanical destructive safety testing, for both vehicle and energy storage packs. This is a very hands-on role where you would be working along with test engineers to setup, execute the tests as well as handle post-test analysis and troubleshoot issues that arise during test execution. In this highly collaborative role, you will make a direct impact on optimizing product safety and accelerate Tesla’s next-gen products’ time to market.

What You'll Do

  • Follow test plans to setup data acquisition system to measure parameters like temperature, pressure, heat flux, voltage, video/audio
  • Execute complex destructive testing and gather data from variety of sensors
  • Perform post-test teardown inspections and document findings
  • Troubleshoot/maintain/ calibrate test equipment and data collection tools
  • Collaborate with various teams for DUT build, preparation and instrumentation
  • Maintain inventory of consumables and keep the lab organized
  • Keep the stakeholders aware of the task progress or blockers
  • Create/ refine SOPs and follow them meticulously for flawless test execution

What You'll Bring

  • Experience with variety of hand and power tools
  • Experience instrumenting various sensors (TCs, PTs, Heat flux, Gas)
  • High awareness of safety hazards, procedures, and best practices
  • Working knowledge of MS office tools and program management software like JIRA
  • 2+ years in lab/machine shop setting; experience with energy storage device testing a plus
  • Comfortable with mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, and troubleshooting
  • Eager to learn, proactive and ability to convey issues effectively
  • Bonus: Experience with data acquisition systems and software (NI LabVIEW)
  • Bonus: Experience with Li-ion batteries, high voltage systems or handling hazardous materials
  • Ability to travel to Tesla’s test sites to conduct testing (10-50%)

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

$24.40 - $56.40/hour + 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 Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role at Tesla?

The listed annual base salary range is $51K–$117K. 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 Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role at Tesla based?

This role is based in Fremont, CA.

What degree is required for the Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role at Tesla?

This role requires a Not specified.

How many years of experience does this Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role require?

The posting calls for at least 2 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role work with?

Li-ion battery cells.

What techniques or methods are required for this Engineering Technician, Thermal Mechanical, Abuse Test & Engineering role?

data acquisition systems, thermocouples, pressure transducers, heat flux sensors.