
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
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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
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