What to Expect
We are building advanced robotics. This is a hands-on leadership role that owns the software architecture turning hardware and licensed components into a dependable autonomous robot.
Own the end-to-end autonomy software architecture and act as the de facto technical lead, including ownership of the hardware/software boundary.
What You'll Do-
Define and own the system architecture spanning autonomy compute, motion-control interfaces, functional-safety systems, and backend/enterprise integration
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Own the localization and mapping strategy (integrating third-party perception/SLAM components) and ensure robust operation at real-world scale
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Design and implement the planning and task state machine for autonomous operation
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Own the safety-authority handoff between autonomous and remote/teleoperated control
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Set software engineering standards, code review, CI, and OTA; keep a lean stack maintainable and testable
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Serve as the technical interface to hardware suppliers on control interfaces
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Lead early technical de-risking spikes that validate the localization and perception approach before commitments are locked
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Mentor and technically guide other engineers on the team
What You'll Bring-
8+ years building robotics/autonomy software, including autonomous robots taken to pilot or production
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Strong systems architecture across perception, localization/SLAM, motion planning, and real-time control
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Expert hands-on C++ and Python; ROS 2 or an equivalent robotics middleware
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Experience integrating third-party perception/SLAM SDKs and camera-based localization at real-world scale
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Experience defining and debugging hardware/software interfaces (CAN / CAN-FD, industrial Ethernet)
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Sound judgment on safety-adjacent software design and where the safety boundary belongs
Nice to have-
Teleoperation systems (low-latency video and control)
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Experience delivering robots into regulated or industrial environments
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Functional-safety-adjacent software development
Candidates are expected to uphold and actively promote sustainability principles in their daily work, operating in line with Tesla Global Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S) Policy and EMAS requirements, fostering a culture of continuous environmental improvement.
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
