Software Engineer, Onboard Diagnostics

About the role

• Software Engineer, Onboard Diagnostics | Tesla (Vehicle Software)
• Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 273572 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

We are seeking a Software Engineer to build and own the diagnostic software that runs on our vehicles. You will develop the in-house frameworks at the core of vehicle diagnostics, including our Diagnostic Event Manager (DEM), the per-ECU process responsible for monitoring fault conditions and triggering Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). You will also support homologation teams in meeting evolving diagnostic and regulatory requirements worldwide. This role spans embedded firmware, diagnostic protocols, and compliance, and requires close collaboration across hardware, software, and service teams.

What You'll Do

• Develop and extend the Diagnostic Event Manager and DTC stack across vehicle controllers, defining how faults are detected, debounced, persisted to non-volatile memory, and reported over standard protocols such as UDS, CAN, and DoIP
• Integrate the diagnostic framework across a range of controllers, embedded targets, and vehicle platforms, and manage versioned updates to these shared components in lockstep
• Work with homologation teams to translate evolving diagnostic and regulatory requirements into actionable engineering work, and support certification and reporting activities
• Build test infrastructure (e.g., SIL/HIL) that validates DEM and DTC behavior consistently across controllers and platforms
• Develop diagnostic tooling and service routines that help technicians accurately identify and clear faults in the field
• Monitor fleet-wide diagnostic data to track DTC trigger rates, and build dashboards that surface trends, catch regressions, and feed top field issues back to development teams
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine internal processes, streamline development, and drive on-time product releases
• Document technical procedures and create guidelines that enhance collaboration and knowledge transfer

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in C/C++ or similar languages for embedded firmware development
• Experience with automotive communication networks and diagnostic protocols (CAN, LIN, UDS, DoIP) for system development, validation, and troubleshooting
• Experience developing across heterogeneous embedded targets and multiple vehicle platforms
• Familiarity with diagnostic standards and concepts (e.g., DTCs, SAE J1979, ISO 13400)
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple timelines, prepare accurate documentation, and address audits
• Excellent communication skills for coordination with cross-functional teams and, where needed, regulatory and industry bodies
• Proven background in automotive diagnostics, including hands-on development of embedded diagnostic software, is a plus
• Familiarity with global OBD regulations and certification processes is a plus

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$140,000 - $252,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.