Tesla Motors, Inc.
Engineering Technician, Drive Unit, Semi
Tesla Motors, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, United States, 94087
What to Expect
The Drive Unit Test Team is seeking a skilled Engineering Technician to support the development and testing of Tesla's cutting-edge powertrain systems. As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with engineers to design, test, and validate Semi‑Truck Drive Units. Your expertise will help drive innovation, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the reliability and performance of our products.
In this role, you will apply your technical knowledge to support the design and development of test plans, procedures, and protocols. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to iterate on product and test designs, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Your attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to think critically will be essential in identifying and resolving complex technical issues.
To succeed in this role, you must be a team player with excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and a passion for innovation. You should be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment, adapting to changing priorities, and thriving in ambiguity. Your expertise will help us push the boundaries of drive unit performance, reliability, and safety.
The Drive Unit Test Team is committed to accelerating innovation and rapidly iterating designs. As an Engineering Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and meticulousness of our testing processes, combining engineering fundamentals with a scientific approach to experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
What You'll Do
Conduct visual and functional inspections of Semi‑Truck drive units and associated parts to identify defects, irregularities, and areas for improvement
Install drive units on Dynamometers, test, and analyze engineering prototypes to validate design assumptions and identify areas for improvement
Collaborate with test engineers to develop and execute test plans, procedures, and protocols to validate drive unit performance and reliability
Communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including design, reliability, and test engineers, to identify and resolve technical issues and improve product design
Provide clear and concise documentation of test results, inspection findings, and technical issues to support data‑driven decision making
Maintain a high standard of organization and safety in the lab, including inventory management, tooling, and equipment maintenance
Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to increase efficiency and productivity
Design, fabricate, and modify test fixtures and equipment to support drive system testing and validation
Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in high voltage systems and electric vehicles
You may travel to support lab expansion and testing activities at Bay Area and/or global Tesla facilities
What You'll Bring
Extensive practical experience in a similar role, with a strong background in engineering principles and practices
High Voltage training or demonstrated working knowledge of high voltage DC systems, electric drive units, and associated safety protocols
Proficient in mechanical fabrication, with experience in machine shop operations and expert‑level skills with hand and power tools
Ability to disassemble and reassemble electromechanical systems without instruction, demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude
Familiarity with standard electronics lab tools, including AC/DC meters, data acquisition systems, and AC/DC power supplies
Experience with wiring harness design and fabrication, including soldering, crimping, and following wiring diagrams
Strong understanding of physics and engineering fundamentals, with the ability to apply principles to solve complex problems
Excellent documentation and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience with LabVIEW or Python or similar is a plus
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., with frequent standing, walking, and bending in a fast‑paced lab environment
Compensation and Benefits Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full‑time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Aetna PPO and HSA plans – 2 medical 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 Aetna 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
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 - $50.40/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.
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In this role, you will apply your technical knowledge to support the design and development of test plans, procedures, and protocols. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to iterate on product and test designs, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Your attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to think critically will be essential in identifying and resolving complex technical issues.
To succeed in this role, you must be a team player with excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and a passion for innovation. You should be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment, adapting to changing priorities, and thriving in ambiguity. Your expertise will help us push the boundaries of drive unit performance, reliability, and safety.
The Drive Unit Test Team is committed to accelerating innovation and rapidly iterating designs. As an Engineering Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and meticulousness of our testing processes, combining engineering fundamentals with a scientific approach to experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
What You'll Do
Conduct visual and functional inspections of Semi‑Truck drive units and associated parts to identify defects, irregularities, and areas for improvement
Install drive units on Dynamometers, test, and analyze engineering prototypes to validate design assumptions and identify areas for improvement
Collaborate with test engineers to develop and execute test plans, procedures, and protocols to validate drive unit performance and reliability
Communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including design, reliability, and test engineers, to identify and resolve technical issues and improve product design
Provide clear and concise documentation of test results, inspection findings, and technical issues to support data‑driven decision making
Maintain a high standard of organization and safety in the lab, including inventory management, tooling, and equipment maintenance
Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to increase efficiency and productivity
Design, fabricate, and modify test fixtures and equipment to support drive system testing and validation
Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in high voltage systems and electric vehicles
You may travel to support lab expansion and testing activities at Bay Area and/or global Tesla facilities
What You'll Bring
Extensive practical experience in a similar role, with a strong background in engineering principles and practices
High Voltage training or demonstrated working knowledge of high voltage DC systems, electric drive units, and associated safety protocols
Proficient in mechanical fabrication, with experience in machine shop operations and expert‑level skills with hand and power tools
Ability to disassemble and reassemble electromechanical systems without instruction, demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude
Familiarity with standard electronics lab tools, including AC/DC meters, data acquisition systems, and AC/DC power supplies
Experience with wiring harness design and fabrication, including soldering, crimping, and following wiring diagrams
Strong understanding of physics and engineering fundamentals, with the ability to apply principles to solve complex problems
Excellent documentation and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience with LabVIEW or Python or similar is a plus
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., with frequent standing, walking, and bending in a fast‑paced lab environment
Compensation and Benefits Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full‑time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Aetna PPO and HSA plans – 2 medical 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 Aetna 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
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 - $50.40/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.
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