John Waldrop Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas, Us

Responsible for hardware engineering for foundation, actuation, and new technologies for all passenger vehicle programs.

Austin, Texas, Us

Oversaw a large team in development and launch of various chassis systems for Cybertruck, updated foundation brakes for S/X Plaid, and new sourcings for expanded Model Y production.

Austin, Texas, Us

Managed the engineering and people of a growing team responsible for subframes, halfshafts, and hub and bearing assemblies for all active vehicle programs (fully responsible for these systems for Model Y, 2021 S/X, etc.). Guided design and documentation processes, oversaw technical requirements, and drove manufacturing and assembly process quality considerations. Balanced workload and set priorities in collaboration with my team members and peers, and reduced ambiguity from above. Fostered an open and flexible environment within the team to enable efficient work and quick improvement of our practices, both technical and personal. Responsible for recruiting and identifying ways in which to grow, including creating a new role to improve our vehicle range development capabilities within Chassis Engineering. Frequently interfaced with production teams and upper engineering management to address issues and improve cost and operations.

Austin, Texas, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

Established cost analyses for casting and machining processes, and investigated cost and feasibility of using fiber-reinforced plastics for large chassis parts such as subframes. Developed the business case for machining large subframe castings and worked with others on proving casting feasibility (successful first implementation on 2021 S/X). Also worked briefly but heavily in Model 3 general assembly as a process engineer, quickly root-causing and resolving multi-faceted and recurring down-time events on the marriage line, and succeeding in helping keep the company afloat.

Austin, Texas, Us

- Owned brake and accelerator pedals, brake booster, pedal connections, and brake fluid for Models S, X, and 3. Was responsible for CAD, drawings, testing, prototype parts, interfacing with production/service, etc. Directly influenced the driver experience with the brake and accelerator pedals for Model 3, including performing novel analyses and tests.- Developed brake system design tool in Matlab for evaluating vehicle braking performance including balance, pedal feel, locking pressures, regulatory testing results, etc. Version 1.0 was developed during internship, and subsequent minor versions have been used to design every Tesla brake system since 2014 (instead of paying and waiting for a third party to do the work). Using this tool, was responsible for Model 3 system sizing and guided design choices across the brakes system.- Led many vehicle-level tests for Models S and X, including winter tests and brakes performance tests. Performed most of my own test driving. Designed and managed production of dynamometer for specialized friction material tests.- Performed production containments and analyses of service data. Guided installation and servicing procedures for parts.- Hired, managed, and mentored interns over multiple years while still in an individual contributor role.

Austin, Texas, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

San Luis Obispo, California, Us

- Was instrumental in getting the team to competition for the first time in three years in 2012. Led the team in 2013 with improved management, engineering, and documentation practices to establish a baseline for future success. Reorganized the team in scheduling, design process, manufacturing organization, vehicle testing, public relations, financial accounting, and team mindset. Placed a priority on high engineering and build quality, yielding a car of respectable mass and reliable mechanical design and construction. Team has competed every year since, with some notable finishes at US competitions.- Headed design and manufacture of drivetrains for 2012 and 2013 cars. Developed differential, halfshaft, and wheel bearing assemblies. After 2012 made major changes for 2013 to achieve significant mass and reliability improvements – managed an enormous manufacturing effort for the numerous components and delivered on-time.- As part of Sr. Project group, developed composite monocoque, steel rear frame, and safety components for 2013 car. Managed project, developed requirements, designed frame, performed CLT and FE analyses, and wrote most of report.- Wrote lap simulator in Matlab to evaluate vehicle parameters for 2013 car (first version completed in one day).- Evaluated car setup and issues and trained other drivers. Influenced design and ergonomics with driving experience.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Mechanical Engineering

Education record