New

Passive Safety Test Engineer

Tesla Motors, Inc.
91,600 - 195,600 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Fremont
Apr 27, 2026
What to Expect As a Passive Safety Test Engineer at Tesla, you will work in our crash test and dynamic sled test laboratories. You will be responsible for conducting both crash testing and sled testing required to develop and validate vehicle components, restraint systems, and overall vehicle safety performance. This position requires a high attention to detail, comprehensive knowledge of crash physics, and the ability to manage complex test programs across multiple testing methodologies. You will coordinate test execution across both facilities, working closely with test technicians for day-to-day test responsibilities, and collaborate with program managers, CAE teams, and product engineers on test planning, execution, data processing, and reporting. This is a challenging role that demands versatility, technical excellence, and a passion for saving lives. What You'll Do Lead the preparation, set up, and execution for both full-scale crash testing and sled testing, configuring and operating specialized test equipment across both facilities Work closely with program managers to plan for necessary test samples and coordinate test schedules, effectively handling multiple priorities, organizing workload, and meeting deadlines Divide up and precisely communicate day-to-day test-related responsibilities among the technician group to maintain daily lab efficiency and keep up with a challenging test schedule Process and interpret test data from both crash and sled testing, generating the appropriate graphs and plots required to communicate test results Write comprehensive test reports and/or e-mail summaries, documenting the results of testing and communicating any issues identified during testing Identify test incidents, write test incident reports, and continually monitor the quality and integrity of all data produced Work with internal engineering teams to develop and validate performance of the vehicle and its passive safety systems, collaborating with CAE and product engineers on test request generation, data processing, and reporting Lead and support post-test tear downs and inspections, documenting and reporting results Develop/improve the supporting processes, procedures, and test documentation while supporting lab improvement projects focused on execution efficiency and test quality Operate and maintain safe working practices and environment, always considering the safety of yourself and other employees What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience, with 2+ years of relevant experience in vehicle safety or vehicle safety-focused graduate program Deep understanding of vehicle safety concepts, analysis tools, crash data interpretation, and video data analysis to generate valuable outputs Experience in test development, instrumentation, and working in cross-functional teams to drive product development Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) to effectively interact with engineering and test teams, both within and outside Tesla, across a variety of cultures in all forms (verbal, calls, texts, emails) Experience executing, interpreting, and reporting on vehicle safety testing according to homologation and ratings protocols (e.g., FMVSS, ECE, US NCAP, IIHS, etc.) is strongly preferred Working knowledge of CAD and structural analysis software (CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar) is strongly preferred A go-getter attitude, fine attention to detail, desire to do things right, and a genuine passion for saving lives Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 10%) Valid driver's license and clean driving record 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: 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 Expected Compensation $91,600 - $195,600/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.