Vehicle Dynamics Controls Engineer, Vehicle Controls

What to Expect The Tesla Vehicle Dynamics Controls team works on design and implementation of control algorithms and software that delivers the world-class vehicle dynamics attributes Tesla vehicles are known for. The control algorithms at Tesla are strongly physics oriented, so the role requires an individual that can apply first-principles analysis and advanced control techniques for the design and implementation of novel, industry-leading vehicle motion control systems (specifically, controlling brake, suspension, steering, aero, and powertrain systems). This role will also require working cross-functionally with various groups including Chassis Hardware, Vehicle Dynamics and Modeling, Firmware, Systems Integration, and Self Driving teams. Some well-known systems our team has developed and shipped include an industry-first Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Steer system on the Cybertruck, Track Mode and torque vectoring for the Plaid Model S, Tesla’s in-house stability control (VDC), multi-motor traction control, adaptive suspension damping, trailer sway control, and Self Driving actuator controls

What You'll Do* Develop control-oriented models of chassis systems for analysis and estimation

• Develop torque management algorithms for the allocation of drive torque on multi-motor platforms
• Develop traction control algorithms to optimally manage tire slip on different operating conditions of a multi-motor vehicle
• Develop model-based deployment strategies for active aero actuators based on vehicle onboard sensors and estimates
• Evaluate novel subsystems related to vehicle motion to inform product architecture decisions
• Build and maintain Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) simulation environments to model vehicle dynamics, control algorithms, and state estimation
• Develop and implement control algorithms to maximize vehicle stability and performance, and advance the state-of-the-art in vehicle motion control technology deployed in Tesla vehicles
• Develop and implement estimation and monitoring algorithms to maximize system safety and reliability
• Ensure stability and performance of the algorithms using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tools, in the vehicle at proving grounds and in the customer fleet
• Assist in testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of control systems to improve vehicle performance.

What You'll Bring

• Excellent background in first principles linear systems analysis, state-estimation, and control design
• Excellent fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics, specifically low and medium fidelity models to be used within a control algorithm
• Demonstrated ability to ground-up design, analyze, implement, test, and debug control systems in real-world applications
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, work hands-on, and execute on open-ended projects in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
• Basic understanding of the physics of electric drivetrains, and chassis actuators like brakes, steering, suspensions, etc.
• Good proficiency with engineering development tools like Matlab/Simulink/Python
• Basic proficiency with software development in C/C++
• Real world experience with vehicle dynamics performance characteristics, ideally with direct experience in developing, testing and tuning traction and torque vectoring controls
• Expertise in advanced control and estimation techniques, and optimal control, and control synthesis and deployment on embedded systems
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.