Validation Engineer

Software Validation EngineerThe Factory Firmware Team (FFT) is seeking a Software Validation Engineer in Fremont, CA. This is a hybrid position requiring both system-level automation & validation with a focus on integrating vehicle firmware into manufacturing environments. The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee and expand offline vehicle testing to ensure the quality of change control (firmware, hardware, etc.) by leveraging our validation tools, analyzing data trends, collaborating with R&D engineers to provide feedback, and working with Validation teams to enhance automation pipelines. Additionally, you will execute regression testing at the component, subsystem, and vehicle levels to validate changes before they are implemented in manufacturing. The scope of this role includes software development, hands-on design of HIL and SIL systems, attention to detail, and ensuring safe and quality firmware to support manufacturing requirements.The Factory Firmware Team operates as the eyes and ears of the Firmware organization within the factory and often has last say on the deployment of new firmware to manufacturing – providing valuable insight and feedback to accelerate the development and launch of exciting new hardware and software features. We take the role seriously to ensure our Tesla cars are safe and of good software quality.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain automated testing framework and tools to validate embedded systems, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testingCreate and execute automated regression test suites to ensure thorough and accurate testing of firmware on controllers, interfacing of controllers, and entire vehicle systemsContinuously analyze and improve test coverage, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new features to ensure comprehensive testingOwn the validation release process for customer releases, including test strategy, scoping, test execution, and sign-offCollaborate with cross-functional teams, including Development, QA, and Product Management, to ensure testing aligns with product requirements and supports multiple variantsRequirementsMinimum of 2 years of relevant experience in software development or test automationDegree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experienceExcellent proficiency in Python and good understanding of C/C++Strong understanding of software development principles, including version control (Git) and continuous integrationExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate with team members and stakeholdersKnowledge and experience with automation and build tools, such as Jenkins and Docker, preferredPrevious experience in the auto-industry or validating embedded systems, preferredExperience with testing frameworks and tools, such as Pytest or Unittest, preferredKnowledge of automotive protocols and standards, such as CAN or LIN, preferredExperience with communication protocols, such as I2C, SPI, preferredCompensation & BenefitsBenefitsAlong 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 deductionFamily-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefitsDental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contributionCompany Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSAHealthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefitsCompany paid Basic Life, AD&DShort-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)Employee Assistance ProgramSick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid HolidaysBack-up childcare and parenting support resourcesVoluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insuranceWeight Loss and Tobacco Cessation ProgramsTesla Babies programCommuter benefitsEmployee discounts and perks program