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TE

Design Engineer

Tesla · Fremont, CA3w agoverified 21 h ago
$92k – $317kfrom the posting

BS-level Product Development roles on Crosslinked list a median of $118k (200 that show pay).

Develop soft goods materials and composite constructions for automotive seating and interiors from concept to production

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Full lifecycle ownership of cabin materials at Tesla, from concept through production, with direct impact on durability and sustainability.

Might not be for you. Very wide salary band ($91.6K-$316.8K) and heavy cross-functional coordination may suit generalists over deep specialists.

Generalist First industry roleBS acceptable

Heads-up: Very wide pay range

Core polymer roleDevelop materials, composite constructions... Degree in Materials Science (polymer, composites, artificial leather, textiles)... polymer science

H-1B filings

Tesla filed 1,327 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Sr Manufacturing Engineer, Sr Process Engineer, Sr Mechanical Design Engineer. Median filed pay: $138K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
2+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Product Development
Benefits
$0 payroll deduction medical/dental/vision401(k) with employer match + ESPPfamily-building/fertility benefits

Role details

What to Expect

You will develop soft goods materials for vehicle cabin applications, including seating and interior systems. You will own material development from concept through production and work cross-functionally to deliver quality, durability, and sustainability.

What You'll Do

  • Develop materials, composite constructions, and system applications for automotive seating and interiors
  • Own the full product lifecycle: concept generation, selection, detailed design, validation, manufacturing feasibility, and sustainability
  • Collaborate with product design, test, and manufacturing engineers to validate material performance at the system level and drive design decisions from material data
  • Translate system-level requirements into material-level specifications through instrumented observation and quantitative analysis, with traceability to reliability and durability goals
  • Correlate material performance data with end-product reliability and field performance, partnering with test and reliability teams
  • Own 2D and 3D documentation of material design data and integrate with system-level CAD models and 2D drawings
  • Partner with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Procurement, Quality, and Commercial teams so material designs are producible, scalable, and globally compatible
  • Interface with suppliers, commercial teams, and quality teams to resolve issues and drive alignment

What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Materials Science (polymer, composites, artificial leather, textiles), Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of experience with soft goods and composites
  • Experience with instrumentation and quantitative analysis, including stress/strain, abrasion, flexure, failure analysis, and microscopy
  • Fundamentals in mechanical engineering (statics, kinematics, dynamics, GD&T, statistical analysis), materials engineering (chemistry, microstructures, polymer science), and textile engineering (woven, knit, non-woven, composites)
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling, 2D drawing, hand sketching, prototyping, and data presentation
  • Ability to work independently and solve technical problems using first-principles thinking

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 - $316,800/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.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Design Engineer role at Tesla?

The listed annual base salary range is $92K–$317K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does Tesla sponsor H-1B visas?

Tesla has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Design Engineer role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Design Engineer role at Tesla based?

This role is based in Fremont, CA.

What degree is required for the Design Engineer role at Tesla?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Design Engineer role require?

The posting calls for at least 2 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Design Engineer role work with?

polymers, composites, artificial leather, textiles.

What techniques or methods are required for this Design Engineer role?

stress/strain testing, abrasion testing, flexure testing, failure analysis, microscopy.