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

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