Associate Test Engineer, Material Engineering

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In this dynamic role, you'll collaborate with cross‑functional teams across Tesla to operate and maintain our Material Test Lab in Palo Alto. You'll plan and execute analytical and mechanical testing protocols, analyze complex data to deliver actionable insights to material engineers, and partner with lab users to foster a safe, efficient, and innovative environment that supports Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

• Build and Optimize the Lab Infrastructure:
  Design, construct, and maintain a world‑class laboratory that delivers precise, reliable testing data, enabling material engineers to drive innovation and enhance product performance across Tesla's departments.
• Execute Advanced Material Testing:
  Coordinate and perform comprehensive testing workflows, including Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), thermal testing, rheology, thermal conductivity measurements, tensile and shear testing, and accelerated environmental aging simulations to evaluate material behaviors under real‑world conditions.
• Collaborate on Innovation:
  Work closely with material engineers to develop new test methods and investigate degradation mechanisms, contributing directly to Tesla product performance.
• Ensure Lab Excellence and Safety:
  Promote a safe and efficient lab by training users, managing inventory, adhering to equipment calibration schedules, and implementing best practices for operational reliability.
• Drive Data‑Driven Insights:
  Partner with data engineers to build automated data pipelines that simplify access and analysis for test requesters, while leveraging Tableau dashboards to monitor lab operations, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains.

• Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Hands‑on lab experience with organic/inorganic material testing, particularly in polymers, composites, coatings, adhesives, or similar domains.
• Knowledge of automotive materials test standards such as ASTM, ISO, or SAE protocols.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to quickly learn new concepts, design robust DOEs, and execute them independently.
• Outstanding organizational skills, with excellent collaboration and communication abilities (both verbal and written).
• Experience with coding and data analysis tools like Python, Tableau, SQL, or similar is a plus.

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.

$80,000 - $120,000/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.

Entry level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Utilities