Staff Datacenter Systems Validation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Staff Engineer to join our innovative AI datacenter team. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of our upscale AI datacenter infrastructure. Your primary focus will be on product and design validations for electrical and mechanical systems, collaborating closely with suppliers, internal engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders. This position requires a deep understanding of high-power electrical systems, advanced mechanical cooling solutions, and validation processes to support cutting-edge AI workloads, flair for risk management of complex deployments. If you have a passion for designing robust datacenter environments that power next-generation AI, we want you on our team.

The role partners closely with design, construction and operational leadership to deliver reliable and resilient datacenters at unprecedented speed.

This is a full-time position based in Bay Area, CA, reporting to the Manager of Datacenter Design team.

• Lead the validation and qualification of electrical and mechanical designs for AI datacenter components, including power distribution system/units, uninterruptible power system, HVAC systems, liquid cooling loops, and rack-level integrations to ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE, Uptime Institute Tier levels). Capability to design and approve IST scripts simulating failure scenarios and cascading events
• Collaborate with external suppliers and vendors to define validation protocols, conduct design reviews, and perform rigorous testing (e.g., stress testing, thermal simulations, and failure mode analysis) for custom electrical and mechanical subsystems, ensuring seamless integration into our upscale datacenter architecture
• Work with internal teams (e.g., hardware, software, and operations) to align design specifications, perform risk assessments, and iterate on prototypes, driving improvements in energy efficiency, thermal management, and system redundancy for high-density AI compute environments
• Develop and execute comprehensive validation plans, including environmental testing, electrical load simulations, and mechanical integrity checks, while documenting results and recommending design enhancements to optimize performance and reduce downtime. Support vendor engineering teams for rapid turnarounds to meet schedules. Proven record for execution of MOP's, SOP's
• Support root cause analysis for any validation failures or field issues, partnering with suppliers to implement corrective actions and preventive measures
• Contributes to the creation of design guidelines, best practices, and standards for electrical and mechanical systems in AI datacenters, incorporating emerging technologies like direct liquid cooling and high-voltage DC power distribution
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership during supplier negotiations, design audits, and cross-team integration efforts
• Stay abreast of industry trends in AI datacenter technologies, such as sustainable power solutions and advanced mechanical automation, and integrate relevant innovations into our validation processes
• Ensure lessons learnt are captured and incorporated into future builds
• Support audits, reliability reviews and executive reporting partnering with facilities

• 8+ years of experience in electrical and/or mechanical engineering, with at least 4 years focused on datacenter infrastructure, power systems, or cooling technologies in high-density AI compute environments (e.g., hyperscale or AI-focused facilities)
• Proven track record in product/design validation processes, including hands-on experience with supplier management, prototype testing, and compliance testing (e.g., UL, IEC standards)
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems (e.g., AC/DC power conversion, grounding, EMI/EMC) and mechanical systems (e.g., airflow dynamics, refrigeration cycles, vibration analysis) , control sequences in mission-critical settings
• Strong judgement in high-risk, high-impact decision-making
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, or CFD software for thermal and electrical analysis
• Experience with validation methodologies, including Design Verification Plans (DVPs), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and automated testing frameworks
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to bridge technical details between suppliers, internal teams, and leadership
• Familiarity with datacenter-specific tools and standards, such as BIM for mechanical layouts or power monitoring systems like DCIM
• Background in AI/ML datacenters or high-performance computing (HPC) facilities, with exposure to GPU/TPU cluster integrations is a plus
• Experience with sustainable design practices, such as renewable energy tie-ins or PUE optimization is a plus

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

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.