System Validation Engineer, Body Controls, Vehicle Software

About the role

System Validation Engineer, Body Controls, Vehicle Software | Tesla (Vehicle Software)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 262921 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a passionate engineer to join our Body Controls System Validation team and help define the future of vehicle interaction. As Tesla advances toward full autonomy, your vehicle becomes your personal chauffeur, one that understands what you want, anticipates your needs, and responds intuitively.

Body controls systems are at the heart of this experience: doors that welcome you, seats that adjust to your preference, lighting that sets the mood, and an environment that adapts seamlessly, all without user lifting a finger. This role is critical in delivering that seamless, safe, and delightful autonomous experience.

You'll develop innovative automated and manual test methods to simulate real-world vehicle, environmental, and user behaviors, working in a cutting-edge automation lab, alongside a highly capable team, building software, hardware, and mechanical solutions to push the boundaries of system-level validation.

If you're excited about the intersection of software, robotics, autonomy, and user experience, this is your opportunity to shape how humans interact with the vehicles of the future.

The ideal candidate is strong in system-level troubleshooting, automation tools, hardware/software debug/design, with a passion for mechatronics and seamless user experiences.

Focus areas may include: Door, Frunk, Trunk, and Tailgate systems, Window, Mirror, and Seat Controls, Vehicle Entry Systems (handles, latches, keyless entry), Interior and Exterior Lighting Controls, Wiper and Washer Systems, Autonomous-ready body controls behavior and safety validation.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute comprehensive, system-level validation strategies for body controls 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, 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

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 - $396,000/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.