Sr. System Validation Engineer, Vehicle Computer Hardware System Validation

Tesla•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

Join Tesla’s Vehicle Engineering team to validate our next-generation computing platforms that power Infotainment, Autopilot, Optimus, and Data Center. You will own the end-to-end validation lifecycle—from planning and infrastructure to execution and debug—ensuring our computers meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and functional correctness. Support BIOS development during new product bring-up Continuously analyze and enhance firmware/software robustness for FVT Conduct failure analysis on contract manufacturer and field-return units Develop comprehensive validation plans, tools, and infrastructure for Tesla’s custom SoCs and platform designs Lead system bring-up, debug complex system-level issues, and perform root-cause analysis on hardware bugs and field returns Participate in hardware design and schematic reviews to influence validation strategy early in the design cycle Build automated test frameworks (Python/Bash) to execute large-scale system-level regression suites Instrument and analyze system behavior using logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and JTAG/debug tools Define and track validation metrics (functional coverage, code coverage, bug escape rate)

Requirements

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
Strong proficiency in the C programming language
Expertise in BIOS and embedded software development
Proven experience in computer bring-up and debugging
Hands-on experience with Linux OS, Bash scripting, and CI tools (e.g., Jenkins, Buildroot, SCons)
Working knowledge of DDR memory technologies (LPDDR4/5, GDDR6, etc.) and high-speed IO protocols
Experience with lab equipment such as logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and oscilloscopes
Knowledge of ARM or x86 System-on-Chip architectures and debug tools using JTAG interfaces
Ability to read and interpret electronic circuit schematics; understanding of product security controls is a plus

Responsibilities

Support BIOS development during new product bring-up
Continuously analyze and enhance firmware/software robustness for FVT
Conduct failure analysis on contract manufacturer and field-return units
Develop comprehensive validation plans, tools, and infrastructure for Tesla’s custom SoCs and platform designs
Lead system bring-up, debug complex system-level issues, and perform root-cause analysis on hardware bugs and field returns
Participate in hardware design and schematic reviews to influence validation strategy early in the design cycle
Build automated test frameworks (Python/Bash) to execute large-scale system-level regression suites
Instrument and analyze system behavior using logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and JTAG/debug tools
Define and track validation metrics (functional coverage, code coverage, bug escape rate)

Benefits

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