Mechanical Design Engineer Interview Experience - Palo Alto, California
June 10, 2017
Positive ExperienceGot Offer
Process
The interview process, outlined below, is lengthy. However, I like this. It means everyone is properly vetted and can be held to the same standard. Nobody can just weasel their way in.
- Call with recruiter
- Call with manager
- Written skills test
- On-site interview with presentation
- Six one-on-one interviews with various potential coworkers
Questions
Why do you want to work at Tesla?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 34 interview experiences for the Tesla Mechanical Design Engineer role in Palo Alto, California.
Success Rate
15%
Pass Rate
Tesla's interview process for their Mechanical Design Engineer roles in Palo Alto, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Positive50%
Neutral29%
Negative21%
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Tesla's Mechanical Design Engineer interview process in Palo Alto, California.
Tesla Work Experiences
3.0
Fun, but lots of stress and low pay
Mechanical Design Engineer • Current Employee
Palo Alto, California, United States
November 26, 2023
Pros: The stuff you work in is really interesting, and you learn a lot in a short period of time.
Cons: The company does nothing to retain you. Pretty soon, new hires will be earning more than you, despite your contributions and hard work.
3.0
Challenging Tech, Poor Job Security
Mechanical Design Engineer • Current Employee
Palo Alto, California, United States
April 12, 2019
Pros: Challenging, autonomy, responsibility, dynamic, technology's edge
Cons: Unpaid overtime, job security, and benefits.
4.0
Tesla MDE Review
Mechanical Design Engineer • Current Employee
Palo Alto, California, United States
June 10, 2025
Pros: Challenging, rewarding, plenty of opportunity, focused on first principles.
Cons: Pay, Elon antics, promotion politics, retention rate is bad.
- 3.0Fun, but lots of stress and low payMechanical Design Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesNovember 26, 2023Pros: The stuff you work in is really interesting, and you learn a lot in a short period of time.Cons: The company does nothing to retain you. Pretty soon, new hires will be earning more than you, despite your contributions and hard work.
- 3.0Challenging Tech, Poor Job SecurityMechanical Design Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesApril 12, 2019Pros: Challenging, autonomy, responsibility, dynamic, technology's edgeCons: Unpaid overtime, job security, and benefits.
- 4.0Tesla MDE ReviewMechanical Design Engineer • Current EmployeePalo Alto, California, United StatesJune 10, 2025Pros: Challenging, rewarding, plenty of opportunity, focused on first principles.Cons: Pay, Elon antics, promotion politics, retention rate is bad.
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