Mediabistro logo
job logo

Sr. Cell Mechanical Modeling Engineer

Tesla, Palo Alto, CA, United States


What To Expect
As a member of the Cell Physics Modeling team, this engineer will develop and maintain advanced physics‑based models that capture mechanical behaviors, as well as coupled mechanical‑thermal‑electrochemical interactions in lithium‑ion cells. Additionally, the engineer will lead the design of experiments to test, validate, and deploy innovative design concepts, collaborating closely with cross‑functional engineering and manufacturing teams to drive implementation.

What You’ll Do

Advance the capabilities of Tesla’s cell mechanical models

Develop analytical cell models that accurately capture the fundamental underlying physics

Integrate cell mechanics with electrochemistry into a coupled modeling framework to capture realistic charge/discharge response and dynamic behavior

Enhance the predictive accuracy of both in‑house and vendor cell models

Translate complex cell mechanical phenomena into rigorous mathematical representations suitable for developing and integrating into ROM models

Contribute to the automation of cell modeling workflow

Develop and perform component/cell-level mechanical tests and material characterizations

Interface with the cross‑functional teams to determine ideal cell designs for different electric vehicle and energy product applications

What You’ll Bring

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent experience

Strong background in solid mechanics, especially in Elasticity, Plasticity, Plate and Shell, and Fracture Mechanics

Strong background in finite element theory and material constitutive models

Extensive hands‑on experience in Finite Element (FE) model generation, development, execution, and validation using Abaqus, LS‑DYNA, or equivalent commercial solvers is required

Extensive hands‑on experience in structural mechanics modeling of lithium‑ion cells. Knowledge of battery cell mechanics is required

Data analysis skills in a scripting language (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) are required

Experience in test development, execution, and analysis is required

Some experience in solving multi‑physics models in the mechanical engineering discipline is preferred

Strong communication skills and a preference for working in teams

Benefits

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 Account (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, vacation and paid holidays (flex time for salary positions, accrued hours for hourly positions)

Backup childcare and parenting support resources

Voluntary benefits: 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
$112,000 - $228,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

#J-18808-Ljbffr