Tesla · 2 months ago
Battery Cell Test Engineer, Abuse Testing
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$76K/yr - $148K/yr
4+ years expTesla is a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company seeking a Battery Cell Test Engineer to execute hands-on battery-scale thermal and mechanical destructive safety testing. The role involves developing test protocols, performing analysis, and collaborating with engineering technicians to ensure product safety and accelerate the launch of next-gen products.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleEnergyManufacturingRenewable EnergyTransportation
Responsibilities
Create test plans to meet design engineering data needs by specifying, ordering, and maintaining lab equipment while adhering to EHS guidelines
Develop SOPs for streamlined and standardized test flows for data quality, while innovating novel measurement techniques by automating test system code and data flows
Lead engineering technicians in safe test execution
Follow test plans to set up experiments, data acquisition systems (measuring temperature, pressure, heat flux, voltage, video/audio), and sensors
Execute destructive tests, gather and analyze data, while making observations and reporting results to engineering
Operate cold gas, pull test, and thermal testing equipment to conduct mechanical and thermal evaluations
Perform failure analysis, operate metrology tools (e.g., optical microscope) and CT/X-ray machines for measurements
Conduct teardown inspections, document findings, and troubleshoot issues during execution
Update stakeholders on progress and blockers
Collaborate with teams on test builds, preparation, and instrumentation
Qualification
Required
Degree or Equivalent Experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, prefer experience with heat transfer and electrical fundamentals
4+ years' experience in lab/machine shop settings with in-depth knowledge of product design, root cause analysis, and resolution pathways
Enjoys collaborating and working in cross-functional groups and leading/working alongside technicians
Proficient in hand/power tools, sensor instrumentation (e.g., TCs, PTs, heat flux, gas), mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, troubleshooting, and delicate tasks like cell openings/inspections
High awareness of hazards, EHS procedures, and lab safety
Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping, organizational, and communication skills
Working knowledge of MS Office, SharePoint, JIRA, and applications for post processing test data
Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition (e.g., NI LabVIEW)
Ability to travel to Tesla test sites (<10%) for on-site testing and comfortable lifting up to 20 lbs
Preferred
Knowledgeable in energy storage device testing (Li-ion batteries, high voltage systems, hazardous materials) a plus
Benefits
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
Company
Tesla
Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that provides electric cars, solar, and renewable energy solutions.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Tesla has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2796)
2024 (2113)
2023 (1304)
2022 (1227)
2021 (1102)
2020 (723)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$20.12BKey Investors
Societe GeneraleEuropean UnionPennDOT
2024-10-05Post Ipo Debt· $783M
2023-09-13Grant· $159.6M
2023-08-15Grant· $0.23M
Leadership Team
Vaibhav Taneja
Chief Financial Officer
Tom Zhu
SVP of Automotive
Recent News
2026-01-12
2026-01-12
2026-01-12
Company data provided by crunchbase