Climate Controls Calibration Engineer, Vehicle Controls

Tesla develops all algorithms for the Climate Control System completely in-house. The Climate Controls Calibration Engineer will play a key role in ensuring these algorithms deliver a consistently excellent user experience across all environments and vehicle variants. You will play a critical role to our goal of moving towards a "touchless" HVAC user experience where the vehicle always does the right thing to keep occupants comfortable.
You will use first principles understanding of Climate Control Systems, human thermal comfort theory to identify gaps in our algorithms. You will also develop and calibrate solutions to close these gaps. Tracking customer feedback through various channels, reproducing issues, root-causing them, and developing and testing robust solutions will be a regular task. In addition, you will also play a crucial role in calibrating and updating the climate control algorithms for all the new vehicles we regularly bring to markets.
You will get to work on of the most vertically integrated Climate Control System in the industry, with algorithms ranging from multi-zone temperature control, automatic defog and defrosting, air-quality management, user interface interaction, automatic seat cooling/heating and steering wheel heating functions, etc. all developed by a small team of engineers within Tesla. Regular travel will be an essential part of this role.
Responsibilities

• Lead the Climate Controls Calibration for new programs which includes developing and validating calibration updates as well as managing the bring up of the climate controls stack by connecting with both hardware and software collaborators, managing priorities and expectations, feeding back test results and concerns in order to create uncompromised climate comfort experience
• Monitor, investigate, and root-cause customer feedback of climate control performance
• Develop and validate calibration updates to and improve performance of climate control functions like temperature control, defog/defrost, auto seat heating/cooling, air quality management, etc.
• Identify fundamental gaps in existing climate control algorithms and work with controls and firmware engineers to drive improvements
• Push to improve Tesla's technology in climate control systems towards the goal of a "touchless" climate control system
• Regularly execute test plans to ensure stability of the customer experience across changing seasons and vehicle platforms/variants
• Scope-out, coordinate, and execute regular test-trips to various climatic conditions to develop, verify, and sign-off on climate control algorithm and calibration updates
• Be the voice of the customer when new HVAC hardware is being designed

Requirements

• Strong grasp of heat-transfer fundamentals, HVAC systems, and concepts of human thermal comfort
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute experiments on any practical thermal problem
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, triage issues systematically, and develop, test, and iterate solutions methodically and rigorously
• Basic proficiency with Embedded Software in C/C++
• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability
• Willingness to travel ~30% of the time every quarter for vehicle-testing in a range of environmental conditions (may vary based on immediate program needs so some degree of flexibility is required)
• Valid driver's license required
• Professional work experience in a calibration role, preferred

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:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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
$120,000 - $300,000/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.