Sr. Manager, Controls Systems Validation, Vehicle Software

Tesla

Palo Alto, California Posted October 28, 2026

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On-site Full-time Senior
Job Description

Description:
The Systems Validation team validates all software-driven, system-level vehicle requirements before new hardware or software releases or product launches. This involves pioneering, building, and operating state-of-the-art automated test infrastructure to boost testing efficiency and precision across the product development, validation, and release cycle.
This role demands expertise in embedded systems, physics fundamentals, software development, and automotive systems engineering, paired with leadership acumen to orchestrate cross-functional collaboration and chart the strategic roadmap for scaling safety-critical software releases exponentially.
You will lead teams validating real time control systems in the vehicle that enable propulsion, comfort, safety, and autonomy. Your contributions will directly enhance Tesla vehicles' performance, reliability, and safety by ensuring flawless software integration across these subsystems.

Responsibilities:
Team Building: Manage, mentor, and expand a team of validation and software engineers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and accountability (30+ Engineers). Oversee the expansion of test infrastructure, including justifying and executing new lab builds globally (10s of Millions of Dollars)
Validation Strategy: Define the roadmap for hardware and software-in-the-loop test infrastructure and data analytics tools to test and evaluate vehicle control systems comprehensively, efficiently, at scale
Process Improvement: Refine software development, validation, and release processes to deliver high-quality, compliant software with minimal overhead. Drive ongoing enhancements in methodologies, tools, and workflows to improve efficiency and quality
Cross-Organizational Alignment: Collaborate with leaders in Systems Engineering, Modeling, Controls, Hardware Design, Software Development, Manufacturing, Release Management, Reliability and Component Test teams to eliminate validation gaps across the product lifecycle and accelerate software deployment
Executive Reporting: Deliver progress updates, metrics, and insights to engineering leadership. Consolidate risks, mitigations, and forward recommendations
Innovation: Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to integrate advanced validation techniques and tools
Continuously look for ways to improve the safety, performance, and customer satisfaction with Tesla products

Requirements:
Degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or equivalent experience
Extensive experience in software validation, systems engineering, or embedded systems development, with a proven track record leading high performing engineering teams
Deep knowledge of embedded systems, real-time operating systems, safety-critical systems engineering and control algorithms
Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet)
Expertise in validation tools and methodologies such as HIL/SIL environments, test benches, and simulation-based validation
Hands on experience debugging complex systems involving networked microprocessors and software-controlled electrical/electromechanical sensors and actuators
Proven ability to lead and motivate high-performing engineering teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong analytical skills with a track record of solving complex technical challenges
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present to stakeholders

Compensation & 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
$208,000 - $360,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.

Required Skills
testing software development leadership cross-functional collaboration collaboration roadmapping hiring at scale data analysis process improvement manufacturing communication analytical skills written communication
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