Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls

Overview

Tesla is looking for a Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer to join its Vehicle Controls group in Palo Alto, CA. The team focuses on creating and deploying control software and algorithms that shape the vehicle dynamics behavior Tesla vehicles are known for. The work is highly physics-driven and calls for strong first-principles analysis, advanced control methods, and a hands-on approach to designing next-generation motion control systems.

This position involves control of brake, suspension, steering, aero, and powertrain systems, and requires close collaboration with teams across Chassis Hardware, Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling, Firmware, Systems Integration, and Self Driving. The group has delivered a number of notable systems, including Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Steer on Cybertruck, Track Mode and torque vectoring on Model S Plaid, Tesla’s in-house stability control, multi-motor traction control, adaptive suspension damping, trailer sway control, and actuator controls for Self Driving.

Key Responsibilities

• Create control-focused models of chassis subsystems for analysis and estimation.
• Study and simulate suspension behavior using vehicle dynamics principles.
• Assess new motion-related subsystems and support product architecture choices.
• Develop and maintain Model-in-the-Loop simulation setups for vehicle dynamics, control logic, and state estimation.
• Design and implement control algorithms that improve capability, flexibility, and overall vehicle motion control performance.
• Build estimation and monitoring logic to strengthen system safety and reliability.
• Partner with Firmware and Integration engineers to validate, calibrate, and debug algorithms in simulation and in the vehicle.
• Verify algorithm stability and performance through SIL and HIL testing, proving-ground evaluation, and fleet feedback.
• Support testing, troubleshooting, data analysis, and optimization to raise vehicle performance.

Requirements

• Strong foundation in first-principles linear systems analysis, state estimation, and control design.
• Deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, including low- and medium-fidelity models used inside control algorithms.
• Proven ability to design, analyze, implement, test, and debug control systems from the ground up in real-world settings.
• Comfort working across functions, taking ownership of hands-on projects, and delivering in fast-moving, resource-limited environments.
• Working knowledge of the physics behind electric drivetrains and chassis actuators such as brakes, steering, and suspension.
• Proficiency with Matlab, Simulink, and Python for engineering development.
• Basic software development capability in C and C++.
• Practical exposure to vehicle dynamics performance, ideally including suspension control development, testing, and tuning.
• Advanced expertise in control and estimation methods, optimal control, and deployment on embedded systems.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or an equivalent background supported by experience and exceptional ability.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and total compensation package.
• Medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction.
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental and vision plans, both with $0 paycheck contribution options.
• Company-paid HSA contribution when enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan with HSA.
• Healthcare and dependent care FSAs.
• 401(k) with employer match, employee stock purchase plans, and other financial benefits.
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance with a 90-day waiting period.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sick time, vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Backup childcare and parenting support resources.
• Voluntary coverage options including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft and legal services, and pet insurance.
• Weight loss and tobacco cessation programs.
• Tesla Babies program.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee discounts and perks program.

Compensation

The expected annual salary range for this role is $140,000 to $300,000, along with cash and stock awards plus benefits. Final pay may vary based on factors such as location, skills, knowledge, and experience. Additional compensation elements may also apply depending on the offer.