What To Expect
The Tesla Robotics Team designs and builds humanoid bi-pedal robots (Optimus) to perform tasks that are boring, repetitive, and dangerous for humans. As a CAE Engineer, you will guide the design of sensors and structural components using high-fidelity FE models grounded in sound engineering principles Working closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing teams, you’ll analyze and optimize designs, challenge traditional CAE methods, and pioneer more efficient, accurate approaches. This role places you at the forefront of critical design and engineering decisions, shaping a robust and reliable humanoid robot that has never been executed before.

What You'll Do

Develop and analyze comprehensive Finite Element (FE) models for Optimus, from individual components to the full system

Conduct static, dynamic, structural and MBD simulations to evaluate and validate the performance against key requirements for strength, stiffness, durability and sensing

Build and refine simulation workflows to assess performance across diverse operating scenarios, automate processes, documentation, and tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability

Provide design guidance to world-class engineering teams, enabling data-driven product decisions

Collaborate with Test Engineering to design and validate experiments, correlate test data with simulations, and enhance predictive modeling capabilities

Establish and maintain modeling standards, methods, and best practices for current and future programs

Material characterization and advanced modeling of structural and sensing components

Plan and execute large-scale DOEs, creating ML driven surrogate models to extract insights to drive key design decisions

What You'll Bring

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

Strong foundation in Engineering Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, Material Science, and Finite Element Theory and applications

Demonstrated ability to guide structural, sensing, thermal, and mechanism designs through CAE, from concept to mass production, across robotics, automotive, and consumer electronics

Expertise in building high-fidelity FE models at component, sub-system, and full-system levels

Proficiency in linear and non-linear static, dynamic and modal simulations and experience developing multi-physics simulation workflows (e.g., thermal-mechanical, mechanical-electrical)

Advanced knowledge in material characterization and modeling, including nonlinear elasticity, viscoelasticity, creep, and strain-rate dependent plasticity in Metals, Plastics, Polymers and Adhesives

Proficiency in CAE Tools such as BETA CAE, LS-DYNA, Abaqus, ADAMS, COMSOL, OPTISTRUCT, Design Life, FE Safe

Strong programming and data analysis skills in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams

Benefits
Compensation and 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

$108,000 - $264,000/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.

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