Electronic/Electrical Design Engineer, Drive/Traction Inverter (Powertrain)

About the Role

The drive unit development team is seeking talented and driven electronic and electrical engineers focused on advancing power electronics technology that propels Tesla vehicles. Currently, the team is engaged in enhancing the existing traction inverter and designing the next generation of these critical powertrain components. The role offers a dynamic environment equipped with abundant engineering resources and collaborative opportunities among skilled professionals. Working at Tesla means engaging with cutting-edge technologies in a fast-paced, high-impact setting.

Primary Responsibilities

• Take complete responsibility for traction inverter hardware (including PCBA and/or power stage) from initial specification through design, simulation, prototyping, validation, to supporting mass production and field testing.
• Carry out characterization and modeling of power semiconductors—examining static, dynamic, and thermal behaviors—and analyze traction inverter performance metrics such as peak power, efficiency, and fault conditions.
• Design, develop, and test integrated analog and digital circuits and power converter technologies aimed at enhancing traction inverter peak power, efficiency, reliability, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams in modeling, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, testing, and firmware/control engineering to successfully design, validate, and produce traction inverters.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, including relevant internship or professional experience demonstrating outstanding capability.
• Practical experience in analyzing and testing high-voltage power semiconductors, focusing on switching waveforms and loss mechanisms.
• Experience in designing and testing PCBA, including integrated circuits, gate drivers, sensors, signal conditioning circuits, and power supply units, as well as embedded programming skills.
• Proficiency with lab instruments such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and analyzers, alongside expertise with circuit simulation software. Solid ability to interpret schematics, datasheets, and application notes.
• Strong foundational knowledge of passive electronic components such as capacitors, inductors, and transformers including their design trade-offs.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with the layout design of power converters to optimize commutation, electromagnetic compatibility, and thermal characteristics.
• Understanding of traction inverter operations and fundamental design considerations for electric motors.
• Experience designing power circuit converters suitable for high-volume automotive production.
• Working knowledge of Matlab and/or Python programming languages.
• Awareness of automotive environmental, reliability, and safety standards.