Validation Engineer - Factory Firmware, Vehicle Software

Job Description

The Factory Firmware Team (FFT) is seeking a Software Validation Engineer. This hybrid role focuses on system-level automation and validation, integrating vehicle firmware into manufacturing environments. You will oversee and expand offline vehicle testing to ensure the quality of change control (firmware, hardware, and related systems) by leveraging validation tools, analyzing data trends, collaborating with R&D, and strengthening automation pipelines with Validation teams. You will also execute regression testing at component, subsystem, and vehicle levels before changes reach manufacturing.

The role includes software development, hands-on design of HIL and SIL systems, and building systems that support autonomy validation in the factory — such as camera calibration and factory driverless testing. Attention to detail is essential to deliver safe, high-quality firmware that meets manufacturing needs and supports Tesla’s autonomy systems.

The Factory Firmware Team serves as the eyes and ears of the Firmware organization in the factory and often has the last say on new firmware deployment. We provide critical insight and feedback that accelerates the launch of new hardware and software features, ensuring Tesla vehicles remain safe and deliver strong software quality.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automated testing framework and tools to validate embedded systems, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing 
• Create and execute automated regression test suites to ensure thorough and accurate testing of firmware on controllers, interfacing of controllers, and entire vehicle systems 
• Continuously analyze and improve test coverage, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new features to ensure comprehensive testing 
• Own the validation release process for customer releases, including test strategy, scoping, test execution, and sign-off 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Development, QA, and Product Management, to ensure testing aligns with product requirements and supports multiple variants 

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in software development or test automation
• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Excellent proficiency in Python and good understanding of C/C++  
• Strong understanding of software development principles, including version control (Git) and continuous integration 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate with team members and stakeholders 
• Knowledge and experience with automation and build tools, such as Jenkins and Docker, preferred
• Previous experience in the auto-industry or validating embedded systems, preferred
• Experience with testing frameworks and tools, such as Pytest or Unittest, preferred
• Knowledge of automotive protocols and standards, such as CAN or LIN, preferred
• Experience with communication protocols, such as I2C, SPI, preferred