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Deakin engineering graduate lands coveted role with US based Tesla
Media release
18 August 2026
A Geelong-based Deakin University engineering graduate is on his way to Silicon Valley after securing a sought-after position with leading electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla.
Twenty-three-year-old Zack Harvey, a graduate of Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering, will join Tesla's Drive Systems Team after successfully completing a competitive three-month recruitment process.
Zack placed the role at the top of his application list after being part of the Deakin University Solar Team (DUST) that competed in last year’s Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide.
From solar racing to Silicon Valley
‘To build a solar powered car from scratch was really fun but to get it out on the highway and finish each day of the six-day race was incredibly rewarding,’ Zack said.
‘We learnt so much about the car and how to manage its performance. I came away with a really clear idea of where I wanted to start my career.’
As part of the student-led DUST team, Zack designed and managed the solar car's battery system, integrating it with the electric drivetrain.
‘Despite having a much smaller battery than a typical electric vehicle, the car was able to travel hundreds of kilometres because it used only 25% of the energy of a conventional EV travelling at the same speed,’ Zack said.
‘The efficiency came from a combination of the car’s lightweight construction, aerodynamic body and highly efficient electric drivetrain. In-wheel motors also reduced some of the energy losses we see in conventional vehicles through components such as gearboxes, driveshafts and differentials,’ Zack said.
Deakin’s Solar Team Manager Nigel Petrie said Zack's success was well deserved and reflected the opportunities the solar car program provides students.
‘I'm really proud of Zack's achievements. Our Deakin Solar Team program offers students incredible opportunities and, although we'll miss having Zack's skills and knowledge in the workshop, we know he'll have an amazing career at Tesla,’ Mr Petrie said.
‘Zack's contribution to the team helped us compete on the world stage, and it's fitting that his hard work and dedication to the program have opened the door for him to see more of the world than he might ever have imagined.’
Professor Ben Horan, Head of Deakin's School of Engineering, said Zack's success showed the value of providing students with opportunities to work on real engineering projects before they graduated.
‘Our students don't just study engineering – they practise engineering throughout their degree,’ Professor Horan said.
‘By the time they graduate, they have already tackled complex design challenges, worked in multidisciplinary teams and delivered solutions under real-world constraints.
‘The World Solar Challenge is one of the most demanding engineering projects available to university students. Experiences like DUST help prepare graduates to contribute immediately to advanced engineering environments and are a powerful example of Deakin's commitment to learning through doing. I couldn't be prouder of Zack and what he has achieved.’
Passion, purpose and a new beginning
Zack is relocating to California this month to begin his new role.
‘I am very proud considering how far I've come and grateful for the support from so many people along the way,’ Zack said.
The former Western Heights Secondary College student said he had always enjoyed building things.
‘I loved making little robots as a kid and I think I loved the Solar Challenge because it was just a big robot, shaped like a car.’
As he prepares to move to the United States, Zack said his family had been behind him every step of the way.
‘Mum and dad are super proud of me, not because it's a fancy job but because I'm following my passion.’
Zack has some simple advice for other young people considering a career in engineering.
‘The important thing is to be yourself. Be passionate, be kind, work with others, be willing to be wrong and have fun!’