Sr. Validation Engineer, Vision Hardware R&D

Tesla Motors, Inc.
91,600 - 234,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Fremont
Mar 13, 2026
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 isn't your standard, repetitive testing gig-it's a dynamic role at the heart of Tesla's research and development efforts, where you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore novel designs, simulate complex scenarios, and validate next-gen features that redefine transportation. Expect to tackle ambiguous problems, prototype solutions, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in autonomous driving technology. What You'll Do 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 quickly 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 your own component testing, to drive iterative improvements in mechanical system designs Collaborate with cross-functional teams, drawing in subject-matter experts from diverse areas such as mechanical engineering, software development, and systems integration to gather comprehensive insights, align on requirements, and resolve complex validation challenges Leverage technologies in AI to accelerate development, applying them to real Tesla challenges and enhancing the efficiency of validation processes What You'll Bring Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience Strong engineering fundamentals Test experience from school projects, internships, or other relevant experience You love to be hands-on, genuine curiosity to figure out why something doesn't work Demonstrated experience debugging and troubleshooting technical problems Experience with sensors (load cells, strain gages, LVDT etc.) and data acquisition systems such as National Instruments, Dewesoft, etc. 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 Compensation and Benefits Benefits 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 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 Expected Compensation $91,600 - $234,000/annual salary + 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.