New

Sr. Field Applications Engineer, Solar Hardware Engineering

Tesla Motors, Inc.
104,000 - 180,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Fremont
Mar 25, 2026
What to Expect The Field Applications Engineer will serve as a technicalspecialistwithin the SolarProductsEngineering organization, bringing deep, hands-onexpertise inresidential retrofit hardware installations, Tesla Solar Roof deployments, advanced PV/roofing integration, and Powerwall energy storage system integration and field operations. This high-impact role demands proven years of field leadership in complex, high-visibility installations combined with strong engineering acumen to drive process improvements, innovation, and cross-functional problem-solving. The successful candidate will operate in a fast-paced, innovative environment, collaborating closely with Product Development, Technical Operations, Manufacturing Engineers, Operations, Training, Technical Publications, Supply Chain, Safety, Design, Sales, Mechanical Engineering, and Reliability Engineering teams to resolve systemic challenges, champion field-validated solutions, and influence product roadmaps. They will lead pilot programs, conduct rigoroustimeand motion studies, track key installation metrics, perform data-driven analyses tooptimizeefficiency and safety, and translate real-world insights into actionable recommendations for design enhancements and organizational best practices. Ideal candidates are seasoned, first-principles thinkers with exceptional technical depth, leadership presence, and a relentless drive to scale Tesla's energy products through creative, compliant, and cost-effective advancements. What You'll Do Lead the prioritization, design, execution, and reporting of complex field tests and validations across Solar Roofandretrofit PV systems, delivering detailed findings, root-cause analyses, and strategic recommendations to senior engineering and leadership stakeholders Conduct in-depth evaluations of prototypes, systems, and installation methodologies for fit, form, function, durability, and real-world performance, ensuring full compliance with safety codes, building standards, roofing best practices, and Tesla specifications Proactivelyidentify, troubleshoot, and resolve systemic installation, safety, electrical integration, and deployment challenges, developing innovative, scalable solutions that reduce costs whilemaintainingor exceeding industry standards Spearhead new product pilot field installations and high-visibility deployments, serving as the primary on-site technical lead tovalidatedesigns, address emergent issues in real time, and capture comprehensive feedback loops for iterative improvements Design, develop, and deliver advanced training programs, workshops, and knowledge-transfer initiatives for internal teams, certified installers, external partners, and cross-functional groups, including customized content on Solar Roof retrofits, Powerwall commissioning, and optimized installation sequencing Perform hands-on, full-scale system builds, beta/pilot installations, and field demonstrations of next-generation solar and energy storage products Act astheorganization-wide subject matter expert on product installation, retrofit processes, roofing/PV integration, and Powerwall electrical systems, authoring and updating technical documentation, installation manuals, best-practice guides, and technical content Track, analyze and report on installation metrics (e.g., cycle times, labor efficiency, defect rates); conduct time and motion studies on field activities toidentifybottlenecks, quantify productivity gains, and recommend data-backed process optimizations Champion continuous improvement initiatives by forming cross-functional teams, leading focus groups, and driving root-cause analyses toeliminatebarriers to efficient, high-quality deployments What You'll Bring 5-7+years of direct, hands-on experience in residential rooftop PV installations, including complex retrofits and full-system integrations;significant experiencewith Tesla Solar Roof tile deployments is strongly preferred (including structural assessments, tile sequencing, waterproofing, and end-to-end commissioning) 4+ years of specialized experience installing and commissioning Tesla Powerwall systems (or equivalentresidentialenergy storage), including electrical integration, grid-tie configurations, backup operations, and troubleshooting Proventrack recordin field leadership roles (e.g., lead installer, site supervisor, or technical field engineer),demonstratingproject coordination, team management, and the ability to guide crews through challenging installations under tight timelines Strong engineering mindset with first-principles problem-solving; ability to perform detailed risk assessments, model outcomes, and apply advanced methodologies to complex installation and integration challenges In-depthexpertisein residential construction, roofing systems (including various roof types, flashings,underlayments, and structural considerations), general electrical systems, PV-specific wiring/NEC compliance, and energy storage safety protocols Excellent communication skills (oral and written) for presenting technical insights to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders, executives, and cross-functional teams; strong organizational and self-management abilities in a dynamic, resource-constrained environment Proficiencyin Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and collaborative tools; willingness to travel up to15% for field pilots, installations, training, and site support Demonstrated proficiencyin metrics tracking, data analysis, and time/motion studies; experience using tools like Excel, data logging, or similarplatformsto drive process improvements and efficiency gains in field operations Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent practical experience Preferred Tesla Certified Installer status (or equivalent), NABCEP certification, electrical trade license, or related credentials 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: 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 Expected Compensation $104,000 - $180,000/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.