Sr. Autopilot Hardware Validation Engineer, Thermal

About the role

We are a fast-growing, diverse team of multi-disciplinary engineers dedicated to advancing Tesla’s mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Specifically, our team ensures the functionality, performance, and durability of critical Autopilot hardware across all Tesla vehicle platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive hardware validation efforts for thermal management for the AP chip and silicon level cooling systems.
• Test, debug, and validate vehicle thermal hardware and firmware at the component, system, and full vehicle levels — including the debugging and validation of Tesla designed testing equipment and systems within a dedicated test infrastructure for comprehensive validation and performance.
• Write and maintain test software to automate test execution, data collection and data analysis.
• Optimize test setups and infrastructure, driving continuous improvements and greater efficiency in validation processes.
• Manage tests from setup through execution and reporting, including test planning, traceability, development, execution, inspections, root cause analysis, and data processing.
• Ensure test findings are well-documented and quickly communicated to external teams, root cause test failures and work with design and software partners, failure analysis lab, reliability team and potentially suppliers to arrive at a corrective action.
• Develop and maintain validation schedules, coordinate test resources, and communicate status/blockers to program managers.
• Actively engage with teams across the organization to seek assistance, identify company tools, and propose process enhancements that elevate our testing setups and overall validation processes.

Requirements

Strong high-level background in CAN communication, including hands-on experience with network configuration, integration, and troubleshooting within automotive or similar embedded systems environments.

Coding experience with Python, Pytest, Git, and/or C.

Experience using standard lab and test equipment such as power supplies, DAQs, pressure transducers, flow meters, temperature sensors.

A background in Thermodynamics with an understanding of refrigeration and coolant systems.

Working principals of common thermal components.

Familiarity with Linux-based development environments and command-line tools for managing test equipment, running automated tests, and debugging hardware/system issues.

Experience working with high voltage and low voltage component validation (inverters, power electronics, motors).

Familiarity with applying electrical engineering principles to troubleshoot and validate both vehicle systems and test infrastructure setups.

Qualifications

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Skills

Experience configuring and maintaining Jenkins pipelines to streamline development and support continuous integration processes is considered an asset.

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
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program

Pay

Expected Compensation $109,600 - $276,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits