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# Sr. Test Engineer, Abuse Test & Engineering

- **Company:** Tesla Motors
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $109,600.0 - $234,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Systems Engineering, Databases, Data Visualization, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Standard Sql, Model Validation
- **Published:** October 16, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/14166150/Sr-Battery-Propagation-Resistance-Test-Engineer-Abuse-Test-Engineering-California-Palo-Alto

## About the Role

* Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience
 * 2+ years' experience in physically applied-engineering (lab, machine shop, hobby project, etc.)
 * Strong problem-solving ability using first principles, with a foundation in heat transfer and electrical engineering fundamentals
 * Hands-on experience with fabrication, modification, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and inspection
 * Proficiency with instrumentation and data acquisition systems
 * Strong collaboration and leadership skills; comfortable guiding cross-functional teams and technicians
 * Ability to plan and execute multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
 * Experience with Matlab or Python
 * Proficiency in CAD for fixture or test design
 * Knowledge of SQL or database management

## Description

We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to lead the evaluation and testing of battery propagation resistance across vehicle and energy storage programs. In this role, you will own the test process end-to-end-from design evaluation, test conception, planning, and execution, through to results analysis and collaboration on design decisions. You will also develop innovative test methods to investigate failure modes from a first-principles perspective and help define next-generation pack architectures. Your work will directly influence Tesla's ability to rapidly launch and optimize cutting-edge products at scale.
What You'll Do

 * Lead battery propagation resistance efforts on assigned programs in close collaboration with the cell and pack design, test, and manufacturing teams
 * Partner with internal teams to develop cell and pack designs that meet safety and abuse specifications
 * Define and communicate test plans, resource requirements, and timelines for each program phase based on risk and schedule
 * Present results and design recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and executives
 * Develop tests tailored to pack architectures (geometric, thermal, electrical) to study failure mode frequency, severity, and mechanisms
 * Recommend new methods to deepen our understanding of failure modes
 * Investigate failure modes and propose strategies to deepen organizational understanding
 * Collaborate with technicians and test systems engineers to optimize tests, identifying opportunities for improved design, throughput, data fidelity, and integrity
 * Enhance statistical frameworks, results databases, and visualization tools for more robust decision-making
 * Design test setups and instrumentation to improve model validation, accuracy, and utility