New

Supervisor, Hardware Validation & Testing, Optimus

Tesla Motors, Inc.
96,000 - 144,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Nov 19, 2025
What to Expect Join the forefront of robotics innovation at Tesla's Optimus Hardware Validation and Test Team, where state-of-the-art hardware meets rigorous testing to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics. Our aggressive product requirements demand architectures with unparalleled performance, and you'll thrive in a fast-paced, exciting environment that values passion, self-motivation, and boundary-pushing collaboration. As Supervisor, you'll lead a team of highly skilled Engineering Technicians supporting component, sub-system, and system-level testing for Tesla's Optimus Bot. Working alongside reliability and test engineers, you'll manage hands-on testing operations, investigate failures, refine processes, and advise engineering teams on improvements. Expect a dynamic role blending mechanical, electrical, and materials expertise, with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines-from seasoned experts to high-aptitude recent graduates-in a culture of responsibility, safety, and continuous improvement. What You'll Do Manage and lead a team of Engineering Technicians, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to ensure efficient execution of testing tasks, while fostering a collaborative and adaptive team environment Oversee the building, assembly, and refinement of test fixtures and equipment, ensuring precision and functionality for Optimus Bot components, sub-systems, and systems Develop, document, and enforce standard operating procedures for testing processes, including pre-test inspections, checkpoints, teardowns, and data collection Collaborate with reliability and test engineers to identify testing needs, support custom test configurations, troubleshoot issues, investigate failures, and recommend design improvements Instrument, assemble, and test engineering prototypes, gathering and analyzing data to validate performance, reliability, and functionality Enforce lab safety protocols, organize and improve lab spaces, and adapt to evolving program needs, including fabricating wire harnesses, soldering components, creating fixtures, and reworking machined parts Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workloads, meet deadlines, and communicate technical questions or challenges to drive optimal solutions Track and manage resources, budgets, and schedules to align testing with business objectives, while identifying process improvements for efficiency and quality What You'll Bring 3+ years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role, preferably managing high-skilled technicians in testing, validation, or R&D environments (experience in robotics or hardware testing is a plus) Hands-on expertise in mechanical, electrical, or materials testing, with proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, lab equipment, and fabrication techniques (e.g., wire harnesses, soldering, aluminum extrusion fixtures) Strong technical skills in test setup, execution, troubleshooting, and data collection/reporting, including software like MS Excel and Python for interfacing with test systems Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, and tolerances (metric/imperial), with familiarity in basic machining, environmental stress testing, or automated test systems Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of motivating teams, handling priorities, and collaborating across engineering disciplines A positive, solution-oriented attitude, with strong ownership, accountability, and adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced setting High commitment to safety practices, including enforcing protocols and maintaining an organized work environment Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a hands-on lab setting 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: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 $96,000 - $144,000/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.