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Tesla Vehicle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle Operator Location : San Francisco, CA Pay : $29.00/hour Schedule ... Tesla, Lucid, Applied Intuition, Uber ATG, or similar AV programs INTERVIEW PROCESS • Initial ...

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Tesla Vehicle Operator information

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How much do tesla vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for tesla vehicle operator in the United States is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Tesla Vehicle Operator, and how do they collaborate with engineering teams?

A typical day for a Tesla Vehicle Operator involves driving Tesla vehicles on pre-defined routes to collect data, perform tests, and validate autonomous driving features. Operators work closely with engineering and data analysis teams, regularly providing feedback on vehicle performance and reporting any anomalies encountered during testing. The role often includes detailed documentation of test results and may require adapting to changing test plans or priorities. Collaboration and effective communication are key, as operators’ observations directly influence software improvements and future vehicle capabilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tesla Vehicle Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tesla Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and strong attention to detail, often coupled with familiarity with vehicle operations and safety standards. Experience with data collection tools, onboard diagnostic systems, and proficiency in using tablets or mobile applications are typically required. Excellent observational skills, adaptability, and clear communication help operators accurately report findings and collaborate with engineering teams. These skills ensure safe and accurate data collection, which is critical for advancing Tesla's vehicle testing and autonomous driving technologies.

What is a Tesla Vehicle Operator?

A Tesla Vehicle Operator is a professional responsible for driving Tesla vehicles to collect data that helps improve the company's autonomous driving and safety features. These operators follow specific testing protocols and routes, document their observations, and report on vehicle performance under various conditions. The role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow strict procedures, and often includes working with engineers to troubleshoot issues. Tesla Vehicle Operators play a crucial part in developing and refining Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems.

What is the difference between Tesla Vehicle Operator vs Tesla Delivery Driver?

AspectTesla Vehicle OperatorTesla Delivery Driver
Required CredentialsValid driver’s license, clean driving recordValid driver’s license, background check
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor, testing and operating vehiclesOn-road deliveries, customer interaction
Employer & Industry UsageTesla manufacturing and testing facilitiesTesla logistics and delivery services

Both roles involve driving and require a valid driver’s license, but Tesla Vehicle Operators focus on testing and operating vehicles within Tesla facilities, while Tesla Delivery Drivers primarily handle on-road deliveries to customers. The roles differ mainly in work environment and specific job functions, though they share core driving credentials.

More about Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs? Cities with the most Tesla Vehicle Operator job openings:
What states have the most Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tesla Vehicle Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,725 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Software Engineer, Vehicle Engineering

Software Engineer, Vehicle Engineering

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA

$124K - $312K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers


Job description

What to Expect

Tesla's Vehicle Engineering department is composed of thousands of the world's best vehicle, battery, and manufacturing engineers. These engineers are responsible for the mechanical and industrial design of all major programs, for example, batteries, Optimus, Robotaxi, and all new factories. Design Technology, which is part of Vehicle Engineering, is responsible for making the tools these engineers use every bit as intelligent and dynamic as the products themselves.

We are seeking a highly skilled engineer to contribute to our innovative project on using machine learning techniques for vehicle engineering applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in deep learning and a keen interest in vehicle engineering.

As a software engineer on the Design Technology team, you will develop software applications that automate or streamline parts of the design process.

What You'll Do
  • Implement and fine-tune AI surrogates, such as physics-informed neural operators, suitable for vehicle engineering problems
  • Work with aerodynamics engineers to evaluate the performance of the AI surrogates versus classical solvers on baseline computer aided automotive engineering tasks, interpret the results, and improve them
  • Document technical processes and experimental results
  • Deliver web applications that are useful to diverse groups, e.g. professional design engineers and program managers
  • Work cross functionally with mechanical and design engineers to support evolving research projects and implement new features
What You'll Bring
  • Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
  • Strong programming skills in Python; experience with C++, CUDA, PyTorch is a plus
  • Strong mathematical background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, linear algebra, statistics, and differential equations
  • Comfortable working in a HPC environment (SLURM)
  • Proficiency in deep learning frameworks and graph neural networks is a plus
  • Proven experience in database management with specific proficiency in PostgreSQL, including the ability to write complex SQL statements. Familiarity with database concepts such as views and SQL functions
  • Proficiency with software engineering best practices including writing production quality code, agile development, API design, version control, CI/CD (docker, Kubernetes, jenkins)
  • Ability to demonstrate object-oriented, test-driven, and responsibility-driven design

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 $124,000 - $312,000/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.


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