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Vehicle Test Driver & Thermal Technician

Tesla Motors, Inc.
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, Michigan, Grand Rapids
Jan 10, 2026
What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a versatile and motivated individual to join our team in a dual-role capacity as a Vehicle Test Driver and Entry-Level Thermal Technician. This position supports critical testing and validation efforts for vehicle firmware and thermal systems, ensuring the performance, safety, and reliability of Tesla's cutting-edge electric vehicles. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and eager to contribute to both on-road testing and laboratory-based thermal analysis under the guidance of senior engineers.

This opportunity will require the flexibility of traveling up to 50% based on business needs.


What You'll Do
  • Conduct on-road and on-track testing of Tesla vehicles to validate firmware and software updates under various conditions
  • Follow detailed test plans and protocols to evaluate vehicle performance, handling, and system functionality
  • Document test results, identify anomalies, and provide detailed feedback to engineering teams for firmware improvements
  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols during all test drives and report any safety concerns or vehicle issues promptly
  • Assist in the setup, execution, and monitoring of thermal tests for vehicle components and systems in a lab environment
  • Collect and record data during thermal testing, ensuring accuracy and consistency for analysis by engineering teams
  • Support the maintenance and calibration of test equipment, ensuring readiness for thermal experiments
  • Collaborate with thermal engineers to troubleshoot issues and implement basic test configurations as directed

What You'll Bring
  • Associate degree or technical certification in automotive technology, engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience
  • Prior experience in vehicle testing, automotive repair, or laboratory testing is a plus but not required
  • Valid driver's license; ability to operate vehicles in diverse conditions (urban, highway, and test track)
  • Basic understanding of vehicle systems and/or thermal dynamics; willingness to learn and follow technical instructions
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to document observations clearly and accurately
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and report findings
  • Ability to sit for extended periods during test drives and stand or work in a lab setting for thermal testing tasks
  • Willingness to work in varying weather conditions during vehicle testing and in controlled lab environments for thermal tasks
  • Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including early mornings, late evenings, or weekends, as testing schedules demand

Compensation and Benefits
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
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