Tesla · 1 month ago
Sr. Thermal Test Engineer, Semi
Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior LevelTesla is a company focused on accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. The Sr. Thermal Test Engineer will lead hardware validation and testing for thermal management components, ensuring the reliability and performance of thermal systems in self-driving vehicles and AI technologies.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleEnergyManufacturingRenewable EnergyTransportation
Responsibilities
Lead hardware validation and testing for thermal management components and subsystems, including compressors, A/C lines, heat exchangers, hoses, coolant pumps, HVAC blowers, and electronic valves. Identify potential failure modes and collaborate with design partners to implement effective improvements
Oversee the build and testing of thermal system test bucks, creating modular setups for component-, system-, and vehicle-level evaluations
Develop and maintain test software in Python for automation, data collection, analysis, and post-processing; refine our pytest-based automation codebase to interact with devices and support reliability testing
Design and build custom test fixtures to enable efficient, modular, and repeatable validation processes
Integrate test equipment such as power supplies, environmental chambers, DAQs, sensors, and related instrumentation into automated test setups, ensuring seamless connectivity and data accuracy for high-fidelity validation
Conduct hands-on debugging of test setups and equipment; perform root cause analysis on failures and issues affecting both test hardware and the device under test to enable rapid resolutions and iterative improvements
Manage the full testing lifecycle from setup to execution and reporting, including planning, development, inspections, root cause analysis, data processing, and full-vehicle interactions for software validation and thermal system reliability
Document test findings clearly and communicate them promptly to cross-functional teams; conduct root cause analysis on failures and partner with design,software, failure analysis, reliability teams, and suppliers to develop corrective actions
Track validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and update program managers on progress, risks, and blockers
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience
Proficiency in coding for test automation and data post-processing, with hands-on experience in Python and/or C. Familiarity with pytest for maintaining robust automation codebases
Foundation in thermodynamics, including refrigeration and coolant systems
Knowledge of working principles for common thermal components, including operation, testing, and characterization
Experience with standard lab and test equipment, such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, and temperature sensors
Experience in high-voltage and low-voltage component validation (e.g., inverters, power electronics, motors)
Prior work with CAN communication protocols and test setups
Design experience using CAD software such as CATIA or SOLIDWORKS
Background in full vehicle testing for thermal system validation, testing, and reliability
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 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
Company
Tesla
Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that provides electric cars, solar, and renewable energy solutions.
Founded in 2003
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
2026-01-25
MIT Technology Review
2026-01-25
Yahoo Finance
2026-01-25
Company data provided by crunchbase