Vehicle Test Technician / KfZ Mechaniker

What to Expect

Tesla’s Vehicle Component and Hardware Test team is looking for skilled and motivated (Mechanical) Vehicle Component Test Technicians to support development work across multiple validation projects. You support validation of chassis, structural testing and other vehicle components (e.g. thermal system, seats, exteriors, closures) during durability, performance and reliability validations. You will thus contribute to design and product validations. You will join at the inception of labs and teams and work with amazing colleagues to set up spaces and test equipment. You’ll have opportunity to contribute to test benches, to improve methodologies, and to expand your skillset while influencing design of next-generation vehicles through data-driven insights.

What You’ll Do

• Perform and set up vehicle component tests independently using specialized equipment, fixtures, environmental test chambers and data loggers and according to SOPs and internal standards.
• Perform test preparation activities (e.g. instrumentation, assembly).
• Perform teardowns for root-cause analysis. Documenting findings and report outcomes. Present and discuss outcomes with engineers.
• Maintain high test throughput/efficiency and data quality. Maintain and troubleshoot test equipment.
• Support commissioning of machines and systems including functional testing and identification and documentation of deviations/errors in electrical plans.
• Own organizational tasks & responsibilities like creation & maintenance of procedures, SOPs, standards, equipment, inspections, lab commissioning, facilities, maintenance and staff trainings.
• Tasks require work occasionally with hazardous materials using mandated PPE and to set up and perform tests in person and in lab environments.

What You’ll Bring

• Completed German vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or recognized equivalent education in Vehicle Mechanic, Mechatronics, Industrial Mechanic, Agriculture or Refrigeration Technology or comparable technical and craftsmanship education.
• Vehicle service technicians and vehicle mechanics are encouraged to apply.
• Proficient with CAN debugging and troubleshooting.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment with new technologies, equipment and processes.
• Ability to perform repetitive and standardized work with high reliability and attention to detail on complicated systems is a “must have”.
• Excellent hands-on skills with mechanical and electrical tools, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, 3D printers, machining equipment, vehicle lifts.
• ~2 years of hands-on experience with troubleshooting and repair work.

Additional Preferred Skills

• 3 years of experience in development and validation testing (DEKRA / TUV / etc.) is a plus.

• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic system diagnostics, including use of diagnostic tools and techniques is a plus.
• Experience with 3D printing, mechanical fabrication methods is a plus.
• 3D Design/CAD skills and creation of fundamental wiring and hydraulics diagrams is plus.
• Basic programming/scripting experience (Python) a plus.