Sr. Validation Engineer, Vision Hardware R&D

What To Expect

As a Senior R&D Validation Engineer in our Vision Hardware Camera Cleaning team, you’ll dive deep into cutting‑edge R&D, pushing the boundaries of vehicle autonomy through innovative experimentation and analysis. This is a dynamic role at the heart of Tesla’s research and development efforts, where you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to explore novel designs, simulate complex scenarios, and validate next‑gen features that redefine transportation.

You’ll tackle ambiguous problems, prototype solutions, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in autonomous driving technology.

• Develop validation plans and comprehensive test strategies to validate hardware performance under real‑world conditions, ensuring robustness and reliability in dynamic environments.
• Build and iterate on custom mechanical test rigs and validation setups using 80/20 framing, 3D printers, machining tools, and shop fabrication methods to evaluate designs, prototype edge‑case scenarios, and standardize performance evaluations, ensuring rapid, precise hardware bring‑up for thorough reliability testing.
• Conduct hands‑on analysis of hardware performance data from vehicle fleets, rugged test environments, and component testing to drive iterative improvements in mechanical system designs.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, drawing in subject‑matter experts from mechanical engineering, software development, and systems integration to gather insights, align on requirements, and resolve complex validation challenges.
• Leverage AI technologies to accelerate development, applying them to real Tesla challenges and enhancing the efficiency of validation processes.

• Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Strong engineering fundamentals.
• Test experience from school projects, internships, or other relevant experience.
• A genuine curiosity to figure out why something doesn’t work and a love of hands‑on work.
• Demonstrated experience debugging and troubleshooting technical problems.
• Experience with sensors (load cells, strain gauges, LVDT, etc.) and data acquisition systems such as National Instruments and Dewesoft.
• Experience with CAD and fixture design (CATIA background is a plus).
• Experience with programming (Python background is a plus), LabVIEW, and CAN communication for test automation.

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 with $0 paycheck contribution.
• Company‑paid Health Savings Account (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 Plan, 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.

$91,600 – $234,000 per year + 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.

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