Validation Engineer, Factory Firmware, Vehicle Software

What to Expect The Factory Firmware Team (FFT) is seeking a Software Validation Engineer. This hybrid role focuses on system-level automation and validation, integrating vehicle firmware into manufacturing environments. You will oversee and expand offline vehicle testing to ensure the quality of change control (firmware, hardware, and related systems) by leveraging validation tools, analyzing data trends, collaborating with R&D, and strengthening automation pipelines with Validation teams. You will also execute regression testing at component, subsystem, and vehicle levels before changes reach manufacturing.

The role includes software development, hands-on design of HIL and SIL systems, and building systems that support autonomy validation in the factory — such as camera calibration and factory driverless testing. Attention to detail is essential to deliver safe, high-quality firmware that meets manufacturing needs and supports Tesla's autonomy systems.

The Factory Firmware Team serves as the eyes and ears of the Firmware organization in the factory and often has the last say on new firmware deployment. We provide critical insight and feedback that accelerates the launch of new hardware and software features, ensuring Tesla vehicles remain safe and deliver strong software quality.

What You'll Do Design, develop, and maintain automated testing framework and tools to validate embedded systems, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing

Create and execute automated regression test suites to ensure thorough and accurate testing of firmware on controllers, interfacing of controllers, and entire vehicle systems

Continuously analyze and improve test coverage, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new features to ensure comprehensive testing

Own the validation release process for customer releases, including test strategy, scoping, test execution, and sign-off

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Development, QA, and Product Management, to ensure testing aligns with product requirements and supports multiple variants

What You'll Bring Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in software development or test automation

Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Excellent proficiency in Python and good understanding of C/C++

Strong understanding of software development principles, including version control (Git) and continuous integration

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate with team members and stakeholders

Knowledge and experience with automation and build tools, such as Jenkins and Docker, preferred

Previous experience in the auto-industry or validating embedded systems, preferred

Experience with testing frameworks and tools, such as Pytest or Unittest, preferred

Knowledge of automotive protocols and standards, such as CAN or LIN, preferred

Experience with communication protocols, such as I2C, SPI, preferred

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)

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.