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Actalent • Palo Alto, California, United States
Role & seniority: Thermal Test Engineer (Intermediate) for Compute HW validation; contract-to-hire
Stack/tools: CAN network config/troubleshooting; Python, Pytest, Git, C; Linux CLI; Jenkins pipelines (asset); lab/test equipment (power supplies, DAQs, pressure/temperature sensors, flow meters, environmental chambers)
Own design, execution, and validation of thermal management hardware for AP chip and silicon cooling; drive root-cause investigations and design-time improvements
Test, debug, and validate thermal hardware/firmware at component, system, and full-vehicle levels; develop and validate Tesla-designed test equipment and infrastructure
Write/maintain automated test software, manage end-to-end test campaigns (planning, traceability, execution, reporting, data analysis), document findings, and coordinate cross-functional actions
Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering
Hands-on vehicle/component testing; strong thermal/cooling system knowledge; ability to troubleshoot using electrical engineering principles
Extensive experience with CAN; programming in Python (and/or C); data collection/analysis; use of standard lab/test equipment
Familiarity with Linux-based environments and test automation; ability to manage HV/LV validation
Description
We are a fast-growing, diverse team of multi-disciplinary engineers dedicated to advancing Tesla’s mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy—specifically through the validation of thermal systems for our vehicle programs. From concept to production, our team ensures the functionality, performance, and durability of critical Autopilot hardware across all Tesla vehicle platforms.
As a Thermal Test Engineer for the Compute HW validation team, you will take a leading role in designing and executing comprehensive test plans that validate the power and thermals of the autopilot cooling system. You’ll be responsible for shaping validation strategy, driving root cause investigations, and ensuring our systems meet stringent quality and reliability targets in real-world conditions. This role offers the opportunity to work across multiple vehicle programs—from current production to future platforms—and to collaborate closely with design, integration, reliability, manufacturing, and software teams. You’ll have the autonomy to lead test initiatives, improve methodologies, and mentor junior engineers, while influencing the design of next-generation thermal systems through data-driven insights.
We’re looking for a highly motivated engineer with strong technical fundamentals, hands-on experience in vehicle or component-level testing, and a passion for problem-solving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. If you’re excited about working at the intersection of innovation and impact and want to help shape the future of electric vehicles, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
Own and drive hardware validation efforts for thermal management for the AP chip and silicon level cooling systems. Your job is to figure out how these products could fail and to collaborate with design partners to drive changes
Test, debug, and validate vehicle thermal hardware and firmware at the component, system, and full vehicle levels — including the debugging and validation of Tesla designed testing equipment and systems within a dedicated test infrastructure for comprehensive validation and performance
Write and maintain test software to automate test execution, data collection and data analysis. Optimize test setups and infrastructure, driving continuous improvements and greater efficiency in validation processes
Manage tests from setup through execution and reporting, including test planning, traceability, development, execution, inspections, root cause analysis, and data processing
Ensure test findings are well-documented and quickly communicated to external teams, root cause test failures and work with design and software partners, failure analysis lab, reliability team and potentially suppliers to arrive at a corrective action
Develop and maintain validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and communicate status/blockers to program managers
Actively engage with teams across the organization to seek assistance, identify company tools, and propose process enhancements that elevate our testing setups and overall validation processes
Skills
thermal
Top Skills Details
thermal
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience
Strong experience in CAN communication, including hands-on experience with network configuration, integration, and troubleshooting within automotive or similar embedded systems environments
Coding experience with Python, Pytest, Git, and/or C
Experience using standard lab and test equipment such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, temperature sensors. Experience in Thermodynamics with an understanding of refrigeration and coolant systems. Working principals of common thermal components
Experience configuring and maintaining Jenkins pipelines to streamline development and support continuous integration processes is considered an asset
Familiarity with Linux-based development environments and command-line tools for managing test equipment, running automated tests, and debugging hardware/system issues
Experience working with high voltage and low voltage component validation (inverters, power electronics, motors)
Experience using controlled environmental chambers to perform validation tests, develop and execute test plans, and verify system performance under varying conditions Familiarity with applying electrical engineering principles to troubleshoot and validate both vehicle systems and test infrastructure setups is a plus
Experience Level
Intermediate Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palo Alto, CA.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr.
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 11, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.