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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Thermal System Test Engineer - **Company:** Tesla, Inc. - **Location:** Grand Rapids, MI, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, Software Debugging, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Software Reliability Testing, Verification and Validation (Software), Test Case, Data Processing, Hardware Testing, System-level Testing, Pytest, Codebase, Hardware Acceleration - **Published:** August 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.mitalent.org/job-seeker/job-details/JobCode/402196142 ## About the Role Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical 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, including test case development for HIL/SIL validation Basic foundation in thermodynamics, including refrigeration and coolant systems. Knowledge of working principles for common thermal components, including operation, testing, characterization, and firmware validation Experience with standard lab and test equipment, such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, and temperature sensors, plus familiarity with HIL/SIL simulation tools Excellent written and verbal communication skills ## Description Join our diverse, enthusiastic, and growing team of multi-disciplinary engineers at Tesla, where we accelerate the world's transition to sustainable abundance-creating an era of clean, plentiful energy for all. You'll contribute by validating the reliability, performance, and durability of thermal systems that form the backbone of our self-driving vehicles and AI technologies. These systems ensure efficient cooling and heating for batteries, AI hardware, and components in autonomous driving vehicles, enabling reliable operation in real-world conditions. With opportunities to work across various development programs, you'll thrive in Tesla's innovative, fast-paced environment, often collaborating beyond your core role to drive progress, including HIL/SIL simulations for system-level testing. What You'll Do Lead 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 testing of subsystem setups, integrating modular configurations for component-, system-, and vehicle-level evaluations, with emphasis on HIL/SIL environments for simulated testing 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, support reliability testing, and validate firmware (FW) for thermal control systems 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 in both physical and simulated (HIL/SIL) environments 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 Manage the full testing lifecycle from setup to execution and reporting, including planning, development of test cases, review of test specifications, inspections, root cause analysis, data processing, and full-vehicle interactions for software validation and thermal system reliability 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 ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Getting to Know Your Legacy (System) with AI-Driven Software Archeology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1437-getting-to-know-your-legacy-system-with-ai-driven-software-archeology) - [pytest: Simple, rapid and fun testing with Python](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/213-pytest-simple-rapid-and-fun-testing-with-python) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) - [Why your codebase lies to AI?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100281-why-your-codebase-lies-to-ai) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges)