Test Engineer, Self-Driving
Tesla
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Palo Alto, CA
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Entry level
Posted April 2, 2026
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Responsibilities
Commitments
Responsibilities
- Generate new test strategies to evaluate Full Self Driving
- Perform controlled vehicle testing across global proving grounds using precision instrumentation, robotic platforms, and other test equipment
- Develop test fixtures and software tooling for efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Use in-house simulation infrastructure to expand test coverage
- Analyze issues found during testing, partnering closely with developers on the Tesla AI and Vehicle Firmware teams to formulate judgement criteria, implement resolutions, and validate software changes
- Perform testing for existing and upcoming regulatory and ratings protocols, working with external agencies to make sure requirements are being satisifed
- Maintain test vehicles, coordinate logistics, perform repairs & retrofits, and support additional vehicle testing as needed
Commitments
With the productionization of Robotaxi just around the corner, there has never been a more pivotal time to join this team.
This is a full-time position which requires someone who is highly organized, confident in their high-performance driving ability, objectively-focused when making judgements, and poised in managing dynamic projects amongst a fluid schedule.
The role is based in Bay Area, CA but also requires flexibility in traveling to various domestic & international destinations for vehicle testing on public roads, tracks, and proving grounds.
Must be comfortable driving prototype vehicles during testing that may lack safety features; valid driver's license required
This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug testing in accordance with Tesla policy and applicable law
Not Met Priorities
What still needs stronger evidence
Requirements
- Proficiency with Python, C/C++, and/or MATLAB
- Experience with software & hardware troubleshooting, ADAS testing, vehicle road testing, and/or development on DAS systems
- Experience with data-logging & analysis using data acquisition systems, CAN hardware, etc.
- Outstanding attention to detail and highly observational; ability to work in an extremely fast-paced environment, multitask, and coordinate multiple program & executive priorities in parallel
- Ability to interpret regulations and test procedures in collaboration with different teams and ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and third parties
- Must be comfortable driving prototype vehicles during testing that may lack safety features; valid driver's license required
- This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug testing in accordance with Tesla policy and applicable law
Preferred Skills
- Experience with software & hardware troubleshooting, ADAS testing, vehicle road testing, and/or development on DAS systems
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience or proof of exceptional skills in related field
- Experience developing tooling with microcontrollers is a plus
- Motorsports background and/or hobbies relating to driving is a plus
Education
- (Not required) – Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience or proof of exceptional skills in related field
What To Expect Rapid Full-Self-Driving (FSD) development relies heavily on our coordinated ability to test its progress within both the most mundane and extreme scenarios. Vehicle-level tests enable the identification of critical safety & performance issues, ultimately opening the door for optimized design iterations and an enhanced driver/passenger experience altogether — this Test Engineer, Self-Driving position will play a role in actualizing this reality. With the productionization of Robotaxi just around the corner, there has never been a more pivotal time to join this team.
This is a full-time position which requires someone who is highly organized, confident in their high-performance driving ability, objectively-focused when making judgements, and poised in managing dynamic projects amongst a fluid schedule. The role is based in Bay Area, CA but also requires flexibility in traveling to various domestic & international destinations for vehicle testing on public roads, tracks, and proving grounds.
What You'll Do
Generate new test strategies to evaluate Full Self Driving
Perform controlled vehicle testing across global proving grounds using precision instrumentation, robotic platforms, and other test equipment
Develop test fixtures and software tooling for efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting
Use in-house simulation infrastructure to expand test coverage
Analyze issues found during testing, partnering closely with developers on the Tesla AI and Vehicle Firmware teams to formulate judgement criteria, implement resolutions, and validate software changes
Perform testing for existing and upcoming regulatory and ratings protocols, working with external agencies to make sure requirements are being satisifed
Maintain test vehicles, coordinate logistics, perform repairs & retrofits, and support additional vehicle testing as needed
What You'll Bring
Proficiency with Python, C/C++, and/or MATLAB
Experience with software & hardware troubleshooting, ADAS testing, vehicle road testing, and/or development on DAS systems
Experience with data-logging & analysis using data acquisition systems, CAN hardware, etc.
Outstanding attention to detail and highly observational; ability to work in an extremely fast-paced environment, multitask, and coordinate multiple program & executive priorities in parallel
Ability to interpret regulations and test procedures in collaboration with different teams and ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and third parties
Must be comfortable driving prototype vehicles during testing that may lack safety features; valid driver's license required
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience or proof of exceptional skills in related field
Experience developing tooling with microcontrollers is a plus
Motorsports background and/or hobbies relating to driving is a plus
This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug testing in accordance with Tesla policy and applicable law
Benefits Compensation and 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
$109,600 - $195,600/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.
, Tesla
This is a full-time position which requires someone who is highly organized, confident in their high-performance driving ability, objectively-focused when making judgements, and poised in managing dynamic projects amongst a fluid schedule. The role is based in Bay Area, CA but also requires flexibility in traveling to various domestic & international destinations for vehicle testing on public roads, tracks, and proving grounds.
What You'll Do
Generate new test strategies to evaluate Full Self Driving
Perform controlled vehicle testing across global proving grounds using precision instrumentation, robotic platforms, and other test equipment
Develop test fixtures and software tooling for efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting
Use in-house simulation infrastructure to expand test coverage
Analyze issues found during testing, partnering closely with developers on the Tesla AI and Vehicle Firmware teams to formulate judgement criteria, implement resolutions, and validate software changes
Perform testing for existing and upcoming regulatory and ratings protocols, working with external agencies to make sure requirements are being satisifed
Maintain test vehicles, coordinate logistics, perform repairs & retrofits, and support additional vehicle testing as needed
What You'll Bring
Proficiency with Python, C/C++, and/or MATLAB
Experience with software & hardware troubleshooting, ADAS testing, vehicle road testing, and/or development on DAS systems
Experience with data-logging & analysis using data acquisition systems, CAN hardware, etc.
Outstanding attention to detail and highly observational; ability to work in an extremely fast-paced environment, multitask, and coordinate multiple program & executive priorities in parallel
Ability to interpret regulations and test procedures in collaboration with different teams and ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and third parties
Must be comfortable driving prototype vehicles during testing that may lack safety features; valid driver's license required
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience or proof of exceptional skills in related field
Experience developing tooling with microcontrollers is a plus
Motorsports background and/or hobbies relating to driving is a plus
This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug testing in accordance with Tesla policy and applicable law
Benefits Compensation and 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
$109,600 - $195,600/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.
, Tesla