Tesla Motors is breaking the mold and paving the path to change the way the world looks not only at alternative energy vehicles, but also at the paradigm of human transportation.   Our zero tailpipe emission products do not compromise on performance, luxury, nor utility.  Neither do we compromise on the people that make our products happen.

Tesla Motors is committed to hiring and developing the top engineers in any given discipline.   Our world-class engineering teams operate with a non-conventional automotive product development philosophy of high inter-disciplinary collaboration, flat organizational structure and technical contribution at all levels.  You will be expected to challenge and be challenged, to create, to innovate.  These jobs are not for everyone.

• You must have a genuine passion for engineering electric vehicles.  Without passion, you would find what we're trying to do too difficult. There are much easier jobs.
• You must want to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company.
• We are building real products -- not presentations. This must excite you. You must be a builder. 

We offer a competitive salary, meaningful stock ownership, health benefits, a fun work environment and the chance to make a real contributory impact on the world. 

Engineering Manager – Closures

The Senior Engineering Manager – Closures is responsible for the initial design concepts, studio feasibility & craftsmanship, design, release, test and launch of the complete closures system for the Model S Sedan as well as other current and Future Tesla vehicle programs - including the Front and Rear Doors (S/M, window and latching mechanisms, handles, movable glass, dynamic sealing, safety content, hinges/checks), Liftgate, Hood and Fenders and the integration of these commodities into the vehicle.

This position reports to the Director of Body Engineering

Core Responsibilities

·        Manage the recruiting and management of the closures engineering team, focusing on CATIA capable engineers with superior technical skills and in-house design experience

·        Provide design, manufacturing and technical leadership aligned with program product profile, including:

·         Developing closures system requirements for the complete closures system.

·         Creation of customer-driven closures system targets for function, cost and weight

·         Leading the development of specifications, DFMEAs, DVP&R’s and other technical documents

·         Establishing closures system architecture and functional feasibility

·         Integrating and coordinating the closures designs with current and emerging safety requirements, including oblique pole requirements, etc.

·         Developing a world class dynamic sealing concept (including body mounted components) and implementing this system into the Model S program to optimize and balance windnoise, margins/flushness, and closing efforts, recognizing that P/T noise in an EV is minimal, requiring other sources of noise to be mitigated/balanced more effectively than with an IC vehicle.

·         Managing the iterative process with the design studio to deliver the optimal balance of form vs. function vs. cost

·         Managing fit & finish, craftsmanship, manufacturing processes and materials to achieve world class execution of the closures system.

·         Optimizing the designs with the appropriate analytical and physical assessments

·         Completion and release of system, sub-system and detail designs, utilizing a mix of in-house design and supplier engineering where required. In-house designs are planned for most major commodities.

·         Insuring that the designs can be manufactured, assembled and serviced

·         Insuring that the product conforms to all regulations and local market requirements for the designated markets

·         Managing component, sub-system, and system validation to insure that system targets are met and optimized

·         Successfully launching the closures system at the required quality levels and on target

·         Meeting the timing plan and financial targets

·         Utilizing Design for Six Sigma methodologies as appropriate during the design, validation and launch of the program.

·        Participate in sourcing process as required

·        Serve as principal management interface with key closures suppliers

·        Support overall vehicle development milestones and prototype/production build events

Skills and Qualifications

·        BSME+ with a minimum of 10 years of experience in Closures Systems development, showing progression from designing parts in CATIA through managing entire Closures Systems from concept through to production – with flawless on-time delivery

·         Prior significant experience in dynamic sealing, high-end handle/latching technologies and recent side impact safety legislation is a plus.

·        In-depth technical expertise with the latest manufacturing technologies, feasibility execution, systems requirements and world class craftsmanship/performance targets

·        4 years minimum experience managing automotive closures teams

·        Knowledge of CATIA V5 is mandatory, along with the ability to understand and integrate CAE results into product designs

·        Demonstrated ability to manage difficult projects with tight timing constraints