Job Description

What to Expect

As an Engineer in the Seat Engineering Department, you will be responsible for design engineering from concept to end-of-life, as well as problem-solving for existing products within the seating domain.


Seats are defined as products that provide comfortable support for vehicle occupants, functioning as dynamic, robotic structural components. Typical commodities include seating structures, mechanisms, actuators, foam, trim, plastics, harnesses, controllers, PCBs, and sensors.


In this role, you will engage in diverse engineering disciplines, including materials (e.g., steel, polymer composites, fabrics), manufacturing equipment, PCB design, firmware/software, production processes, mechanical design, supply chain coordination, and quality improvement. Team members act as both specialists and polymaths, leveraging their unique expertise to complement the team while embracing a “get the job done” ethos.

What You'll Do

Manage all phases of the product lifecycle: concept generation, selection, vehicle packaging and layout, detailed design, validation, manufacturing feasibility, production processes, and sustainability Balance and negotiate product attributes, including safety, functionality, comfort, craftsmanship, cost, mass, schedule, and sustainability Create 3D CAD models (e.g., using CATIA) and 2D drawings, including datum and fixation strategies, GD&T, and Bills of Materials (BOM) ownership Interpret CAE simulation results and integrate findings into product designs, utilizing tools like DRBFM/DFMEA to ensure robust products meet requirements Collaborate with Tesla’s Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Procurement teams to ensure system integration and compatibility, while communicating cross-functionally with Commercial, Quality, and Supplier interfaces Produce technical documentation for official use and communication

What You'll Bring

Educational background in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or ideally with a minimum of six months engineering experience, including a full-cycle design project Fundamentals in mechanical engineering: statics, kinematics, dynamics, materials, mechanisms, and GD&T Understanding in soft goods: designing with textiles, artificial leather, elastomers, fibers, cellular structures, and flexures Proficiency with composite structures: designing, manufacturing, and testing fiber-resin composites Skilled in technical communication: 3D modeling, 2D drawing, hand sketching, hands-on prototyping, data collection, and presentation Evidence of exceptional ability, strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and the ability to manage progress through tight timelines while addressing technical challenges using first-principles thinking


Nice to have:

Experience in mechatronics: circuit design, PCB design, I/O, controls, embedded programming, and Arduino Knowledge of biomechanics: human musculoskeletal anatomy, circulation, ergonomics, and pathology

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.



Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.