Cybercab

Engineered body structures, powertrain structures and isolators for Tesla’s next vehicle platform, delivering quieter EV powertrains and multimillion-dollar cost savings

Role

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Industry

Automotive

Duration

2 years - Present

Cybercab
Cybercab
Cybercab

Overview:

On Tesla's next-generation vehicle platform, I led mechanical design for a major chassis subsystem which integrates actuators, batteries, and reacts drive unit loading. I also led design and analysis of the powertrain isolation. These components directly affect NVH performance, structural stiffness, and vehicle cost.

Overview:

On Tesla's next-generation vehicle platform, I led mechanical design for a major chassis subsystem which integrates actuators, batteries, and reacts drive unit loading. I also led design and analysis of the powertrain isolation. These components directly affect NVH performance, structural stiffness, and vehicle cost.

My Role:

I was the first CAE engineer to take over mechanical design ownership for a part; owning multiple critical components on the vehicle. With a background in multiphysics analysis, I merged mechanical design with concurrent analysis, delivering parts that met strength, stiffness, and NVH targets.

Key Contributions:

  • Led end-to-end development of a critical chassis subsystem on Cybercab, integrating actuator and battery storage components while driving cross-functional collaboration across integration, analysis, production, and service teams.

  • Consolidated four chassis components into a single optimized structure, achieving $150M in CapEx savings and lowering per-vehicle costs by $50M annually at scale while balancing stiffness, reliability, and NVH requirements.

  • Developed and launched an industry-first dual isolation bushing for Cybercab, next-gen Roadster, and Cybertruck.

  • Led structural design of Robotaxi and CT powertrain housings, leveraging CAE-driven topology optimization to achieve stiffness, durability, and powertrain noise reduction targets

Impact:

Improved powertrain quietness and durability while significantly reducing production cost - enhancing both performance and affordability.

Other projects

Zachary Valles

Copyright 2025 by Zachary Valles

Zachary Valles

Copyright 2025 by Zachary Valles

Zachary Valles

Copyright 2025 by Zachary Valles