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Test Specialist, Self-Driving

Tesla • Palo Alto, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $24 - $55 / hour

Posted Jun 18, 2026Apply by Jul 18, 2026
  • Role & seniority

    • Test Specialist (hands-on vehicle-level testing); seniority not explicitly stated (appears mid/individual contributor)
  • Stack/tools

    • Proprietary Tesla test tools for data analysis/triage

    • Excel; Python (preferred)

    • Prototype vehicle test equipment (unspecified); hand tools and vehicle maintenance skills

  • Top 3 responsibilities

    • Conduct vehicle-level validation/testing of Self-Driving/Autopilot features (e.g., FSD, Autosteer, AEB)

    • Perform precision limit-handling maneuvers safely to evaluate performance at/above system limits

    • Analyze test data to triage vehicle behaviors and maintain/document vehicle condition (coordinate repairs/retrofits)

  • Must-have skills

    • Experience with limit handling maneuvers on closed courses; strong situational awareness

    • Objectivity and strong attention to detail for judgments

    • Ability to safely execute real-world testing and manage safety-sensitive operations

    • Practical ability to support vehicle maintenance/repairs; organized documentation

    • Willingness to travel (domestic/international, up to ~70%)

  • Nice-to-haves

    • Motorsports background

    • Knowledge of autonomous vehicles, Autopilot systems, and sensors

    • Strong software skills with Excel/Python

  • Location & work type

    • Traveling role: domestic/international travel up to 70% with minimal lead time

    • On-site/field work on public r

Full Description

What To Expect We are looking for a highly motivated individual to accelerate our vehicle-level testing for all current and future Tesla AI features on the path to Full Self-Driving. The Test Specialist role is a hands-on position, working closely with Test Engineers and Technicians to use prototype vehicles and test equipment to evaluate the performance of our Autopilot system. A strong candidate will be experienced with limit handling maneuvers, objectively focused when making judgments, highly organized with great attention to detail, and an independent achiever.

This role requires the flexibility of traveling to domestic and international destinations, to test vehicles on public roads and proving grounds.

What You'll Do

Conduct vehicle-level testing and validation of the Self-Driving system including features such as Full Self-Driving, Autosteer, Automatic Emergency Braking, etc. Maintain Tesla’s confidentiality with respect to prototype hardware, software, and unreleased vehicle programs Perform precision driving maneuvers to safely evaluate performance at or above the system limitations Safely execute real-world testing Analyze data to triage issues with vehicle behaviors using proprietary Tesla tools Maintain and document test vehicle condition, coordinate repairs and retrofits with technicians as necessary Support various ad-hoc vehicle engineering testing requests as needed

What You'll Bring

Experience with limit handling of vehicles on closed courses, a background in Motorsports is preferred Excellent attention to detail and high situational awareness Familiarity with hand tools and/or vehicle maintenance skills Knowledge in the autonomous vehicle space, Autopilot systems and sensors Excellent software skills. Familiarity with Excel and Python is a plus Flexibility to travel, domestic or international up to 70%, with minimal lead time Passion for vehicle testing and Tesla's mission This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug testing in accordance with Tesla policy and applicable law

Benefits Compensation and 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

$24.00 - $55.20/hour + 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.

Limit HandlingMotorsportsAttention to DetailSituational AwarenessVehicle MaintenanceAutonomous VehiclesAutopilot SystemsSensorsSoftware SkillsExcelPythonData AnalysisPrecision DrivingTestingDocumentationCoordinationmulti-location

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