Software Engineer, Scenario Evaluation, Optimus Simulation

About the role

Software Engineer, Scenario Evaluation, Optimus Simulation | Tesla (Tesla SI)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 280816 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

The Optimus Simulation team recreates the real world as a comprehensive playground for Optimus.

We build a robust, high-fidelity simulation stack, physics, photorealistic rendering, and intelligent actors, so the robot can be tested thoroughly and developed faster than real-world iteration alone allows.As a Software Engineer on the Optimus Simulation team, you will own and advance the validation systems that move Optimus toward operational autonomy.

You will design and maintain end-to-end bot validation workflows, partner closely with cross-functional teams to validate new and existing features, and define high-signal test scenarios that expose real-world failure modes early.

You will also build the scenario creation and reporting tooling that scales this process, turning ad-hoc validation into a repeatable, data-driven pipeline. Beyond feature validation, you will strengthen the simulation platform itself through rigorous testing and automation, ensuring high reliability and scalability as the system grows.

What You'll Do

• Develop software and tools to engineer and author high-value Simulation Scenarios
• Perform functional, stress, integration, and performance tests on multiple levels within the system including vehicle software simulation, hardware-in-the-loop automation
• Develop tooling and automation to improve the efficiency of validating the simulator
• Identify effective test strategies for new and existing features and craft test plans accordingly
• Analyze issues detected during our tests or reported by others and work closely with Simulation/Autopilot Developers to fix issues and validate software changes
• Find software bugs through manual testing, automated scripting, and report investigation

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or proof of exceptional skills in related fields, with practical software engineering experience
• 3+ years Software Development experience, preferably in video game gameplay systems or closed-loop evaluation systems
• 2+ years of HIL, SIL, or closed-loop evaluation experience
• Strong Python and C++ skills
• Experience troubleshooting on both software and hardware level
• Experience solving difficult QA problems (scalability, reliability, reporting, parallelization)
• Experience in designing automation frameworks and developing test automation software
• Excellent communication skills and very detail oriented

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$118,000 - $390,000/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.