New

Sr. System Validation Engineer, Vehicle Computer Hardware System Validation

Tesla Motors, Inc.
140,000 - 360,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Feb 21, 2026
What to Expect Join Tesla's Vehicle Engineering team to validate our next-generation computing platforms that power Infotainment, Autopilot, Optimus, and Data Center. You will own the end-to-end validation lifecycle-from planning and infrastructure to execution and debug-ensuring our computers meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and functional correctness. What You'll Do System Bring-up & Debug: Lead system bring-up, debug complex system-level issues, and perform root-cause analysis on hardware bugs. Support BIOS, Bootloader, and low-level firmware development during new product introduction Validation Infrastructure: Develop comprehensive validation plans, tools, and automation frameworks (Python/Bash) to execute system-level regression suites for Tesla's custom SoCs and platform designs Firmware Robustness: Continuously analyze and enhance firmware/software robustness for Functional Verification Testing (FVT). Interface with kernel drivers and device tree configurations to ensure hardware stability Failure Analysis: Conduct board-level failure analysis on contract manufacturer and field-return units to improve first pass yields and reduce escape rates Hardware Interaction: Instrument and analyze system behavior using logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG/debug tools Design Influence: Participate in hardware design and schematic reviews to influence validation strategy early in the design cycle What You'll Bring Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python scripting for automation Hands-on experience with Linux OS internals, kernel modules, and shell scripting Proven experience in board bring-up, bootloaders, and debugging embedded targets (e.g., STM32, ARM, or x86 architectures) Familiarity with standard communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN, UART) as well as high-speed interfaces (PCIe, DDR) Experience with lab equipment such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG debuggers Ability to read and interpret electronic circuit schematics and perform board-level fault isolation Compensation and Benefits 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 - $360,000/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.