Sr. Thermal Test Engineer, Semi

What You'll Do

• 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.
• 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.

What You'll Bring

• 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

• Competitive pay.
• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction.
• 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.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans.
• 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, Tesla.