Sr. Backend Engineer, Vehicle & Optimus Diagnostics, Vehicle Software

Tesla Motors, Inc.
168,000 - 300,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Aug 06, 2026
What to Expect Tesla is accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy and autonomy. Service Engineering sits at the unique intersection of firmware/hardware design, service, diagnostics, manufacturing, quality, and reliability. Our mission is to ensure every vehicle, Robotaxi, and Optimus is diagnosed accurately, reliably, and as quickly as possible, with feedback loops that continuously improve diagnostics and reduce the need for service visits. Our vision is a diagnostic strategy and software platform so effective that vehicles, autonomous fleets, and humanoid robots rarely need to come in for diagnosis. As a Sr. Backend Engineer on this team, you will specify, build, and maintain the next-generation diagnostic tooling and backend systems that power service, roadside assistance, Robotaxi fleet health, and Optimus operations. What You'll Do Improve diagnostic simplicity, meet regulatory compliance, and build proactive diagnostic systems that scale across consumer vehicles, Robotaxi fleets, and Optimus robots Design and maintain automated release process tools and infrastructure for diagnostic software and services Build and maintain next-generation infrastructure using technologies such as Docker, Temporal, and Kubernetes Participate in architectural improvements to support a rapidly growing user base of service technicians, fleet operators, and roadside assistance systems Develop backend systems that deliver real-time vehicle health, telematics, and diagnostic insights to mobile apps, service centers, and autonomous operations teams Enhance observability, reliability, and performance of diagnostic platforms used for both traditional service and next-generation Robotaxi / Optimus support Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (product, firmware, legal, mobile, operations, data, and autonomy) to continuously raise the bar on diagnostic speed and accuracy What You'll Bring 3+ years of backend software development experience Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience with evidence of exceptional ability Experience with high-level programming languages like Python, Ruby, Java, Go or similar Experience managing cloud computing environments Experience in DevOps tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Concourse, ArgoCD or similar Experience with generative AI applications is a plus Interest or experience related to vehicle telematics, autonomy, robotics, fleet management, or large-scale diagnostic systems preffered Passion for Tesla's mission and the future of Robotaxi + Optimus 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 $168,000 - $300,000/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.