About this role
Optimus is one of the most ambitious products Tesla has ever built, and the software that goes into every unit passes through the Factory Firmware Team. In this role you will own how that software moves from R&D into the factory: defining the release process, building the tooling, and setting the standards for what ships so Optimus can ramp as quickly as possible.
You will lead cross-functional work across software release management, tooling development, and the integration of new programs into manufacturing, partnering closely with manufacturing leaders to keep production moving from first builds through scaled production. The team is the eyes and ears of the Firmware organization inside the factory and has the final say on deploying new firmware to the line. That means every robot leaves with validated, safe, high-quality software, and engineering teams get fast feedback to accelerate new hardware and software features. The role needs someone who is highly organized and detail-oriented, comfortable balancing competing priorities, and skilled at bringing people together around a single goal.
- Own Optimus software releases into manufacturing end to end
- Define milestones and release scope, and track delivery timelines across multiple teams
- Identify deployment risks and develop fallback strategies
- Design, improve, and enforce processes that track changes against their deadlines, improve team efficiency, and close identified gaps
- Coordinate change control between R&D Engineering, SI, and Manufacturing, making sure it runs smoothly and the right resources are assigned
- Use data and dashboards to find trends, track changes, review logs, and identify opportunities to improve operations and triage issues
- Manage cross-functional, factory-facing integration projects and programs from start to finish
- Communicate clearly and regularly with leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and team members, in writing, verbally, and in person
- Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and exercise sound business judgment
- Apply first-principles engineering thinking to problem solving
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability
- 2+ years of experience in software integration, software release management, or technical program management, ideally with firmware/embedded systems, manufacturing, or hardware-software programs
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with Manufacturing and Engineering
- Strong critical thinking skills: triaging issues, understanding hardware/software interdependencies, performing root cause analysis, and driving to solutions
- Ability to evaluate processes and programs for strengths and weaknesses, and to balance technical trade-offs against business ones
- Ability to work independently and with urgency in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with tight deadlines
- Proficiency with Git, Jira, and Confluence, and experience using SI tools to improve workflows
- Experience in mass manufacturing, electric vehicles, automotive, or robotics, preferred
- Experience launching a new product into manufacturing (NPI) or running R&D-to-factory change control, preferred
- Hands-on experience with firmware or embedded software release processes, CI/CD, or manufacturing test, preferred
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
- Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)
Expected Compensation $140,000 - $252,000/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.