New

Engineering Technician, Battery Cell Abuse Testing

Tesla Motors, Inc.
23.18 - 47.88 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, San Diego
Oct 29, 2025
What to Expect Join our team as an Engineering Technician, executing hands-on battery-scale thermal and mechanical destructive safety testing in collaboration with test engineers. In this role, you would set up and run tests, perform post-test analysis, troubleshoot issues, and develop chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical testing protocols - directly impacting product safety and accelerating Tesla's next-gen products to market. Tesla is committed to hiring diverse talent and seeks self-motivated, disciplined team players with strong communication skills who innovate, challenge others, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with real hardware, ensuring rapid feedback loops and meeting aggressive deadlines. What You'll Do Follow test plans to set up experiments, data acquisition systems (measuring temperature, pressure, heat flux, voltage, video/audio), and sensors 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 Cross-section specimens via cutting, setting, polishing, and etching Conduct teardown inspections, document findings, and troubleshoot issues during execution Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate test equipment and data collection tools Collaborate and work with teams on test builds, preparation, and instrumentation Update stakeholders on progress and blockers Create/refine SOPs and follow them for successful test execution What You'll Bring 2+ years in lab/machine shop settings with hands-on experience building mechanical assemblies or setting up tests Proficient in hand/power tools, sensor instrumentation (e.g., TCs, PTs, heat flux, gas), electrical wiring, troubleshooting, and delicate tasks like cell openings/inspections Enjoys collaborating and working with cross-functional groups and working alongside engineers High awareness of hazards, EHS procedures, and lab safety Knowledgeable in energy storage device testing (Li-ion batteries, high voltage systems, hazardous materials) a plus 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) Willing and able to lift up to 20 lbs. Ability to travel to Tesla test sites (<10%) 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 $23.18 - $47.88/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.