Autopilot Test Engineer

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 Autopilot Test Engineer 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 Palo Alto, CA but also requires flexibility in traveling to various domestic & international destinations for vehicle testing on public roads, tracks, and proving grounds.

Responsibilities

• Design test specifications, create judgement criteria, and execute real-world testing with regards to interesting Autopilot scenarios; provide ad-hoc support for specifically requested scenarios
• Develop test fixtures and software tooling to support efficient analysis and reporting of test data
• Identify effective test strategies for new & existing features, crafting test plans accordingly
• Triage, analyze, & track regional Autopilot performance; depending on root causes, work with Software QA teams to issue escalations
• Analyze issues detected during tests, partnering closely with developers to fix and validate software changes
• Work closely with simulation teams to analyze issues and validate Autopilot performance
• Examine test data to ensure vehicles are meeting federal & internal requirements, making recommendations to internal design teams based on critical findings
• Work with internal engineering teams and external governing agencies to develop & validate vehicle performance
• Maintain & document test vehicle conditions, coordinate repairs & retrofits, and support additional vehicle engineering testing as needed

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
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, 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

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:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

$104,000 - $174,000/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.