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System Validation Engineer, Autonomous Driving Systems, Vehicle Software

Tesla
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/25/2026 CLOSED ON 6/11/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the System Validation Engineer, Autonomous Driving Systems, Vehicle Software position at Tesla?

What To Expect
The Systems Validation team is responsible for validating all software driven, system level, vehicle requirements prior to any new hardware or software release or new product introduction. This includes inventing and building state of the art automated test infrastructure to increase the efficiency and precision of testing used throughout the development and validation cycle. Beyond building test infrastructure, the team is also creating and executing test plans, analyzing results, and driving continuous improvements in both firmware and hardware to ship high quality products and features.

In this role, you will develop innovative automated test methods to simulate real-world vehicle, environmental, and user behaviors working on a one-of-a-kind test platform pushing the boundaries of system level validation. With the advancement of autonomy and robotaxi technology, this role will focus on building and executing tests to validate autonomous vehicle behaviors with a focus on redundancy, safety, and performance working closely with all vehicle systems.

The ideal candidate is strong in system-level troubleshooting, automation tools, hardware/software debugging and design, with a passion for mechatronic systems

What You'll Do

  • Develop and execute comprehensive, system-level validation strategies for vehicle software, ensuring compliance with functional and performance requirements
  • Design and implement automated and manual test cases, including the use of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing methodologies
  • Develop test infrastructure and automation frameworks using Python, C and Rust to improve test efficiency and precision
  • Develop prototype test setups to integrate new subsystems with simulated or actual vehicle components, utilizing software driven test automation
  • Work closely with software, hardware, modelling, controls and development engineers to identify, diagnose, and resolve issues early in the development cycle
  • Analyze test results, generate reports, and provide recommendations for product improvements
  • Investigate real-world field issues, identify root causes, and work with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions
  • Continuously look for ways to improve the safety, performance, and customer satisfaction with Tesla products


  • What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Strong fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, thermal, controls and systems engineering concepts
  • Ability to analyze complex systems and develop robust, comprehensive test coverage
  • Hands on experience debugging complex systems involving networked microprocessors and software-controlled electrical and electromechanical sensors and actuators
  • Experience with test automation, object-oriented software design (Python, C , Rust), and debugging tools
  • Experience with HIL/SIL environments, test benches, and simulation-based validation
  • Experience with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic tools
  • Experience analyzing and parsing data to develop technical insights
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with cross-functional teams
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience utilizing the skills above


  • Benefits
    Compensation and 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

    $140,000 - $396,000/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.

    , Tesla

    Salary : $140,000 - $396,000

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