Tesla · 3 hours ago
Simulation Program Manager, Optimus
Palo Alto, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$97K/yr - $217K/yr
5+ years expTesla is at the forefront of AI, robotics, and autonomous systems, revolutionizing industries through cutting-edge technology. They are seeking a skilled Program Manager to drive the strategic roadmap for simulation initiatives, facilitating collaboration across teams to develop advanced simulation tools and models. This role requires a blend of technical insight, project management expertise, and coordination skills to support products like Optimus Robots and Autopilot.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleEnergyManufacturingRenewable EnergyTransportation
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain the simulation roadmap, including prioritizing features, timelines, and resource allocation to align with Tesla's AI and robotics objectives
Assist engineering teams with broader coordination for the development of high-fidelity simulation tools and models, ensuring integration of realistic physics, environmental factors, and AI behaviors
Coordinate requests and asks from the AI and AI Simulation teams to the physics engine development team, facilitating efficient communication, requirement gathering, and resolution of dependencies
Lead cross-functional collaboration across AI, software, hardware, and validation teams to identify gaps in simulation capabilities and drive iterative improvements
Track program milestones, manage risks, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as simulation accuracy, computational efficiency, and model fidelity
Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder workshops to refine simulation requirements, incorporating feedback from end-users in robotics and autonomous systems
Explore emerging technologies in simulation (e.g., real-time rendering, machine learning-based modeling) to enhance roadmap innovation and scalability
Qualification
Required
Degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in program management, ideally in simulation, AI, gaming, or high-tech R&D environments
Strong understanding of simulation technologies, including physics engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, or custom solutions), high-fidelity modeling, and AI integration
Proven ability to build and execute technical roadmaps, with experience in agile methodologies and tools like Jira, Confluence, or Asana
Excellent communication and facilitation skills for bridging technical teams, including handling complex requests and resolving inter-team dependencies
Familiarity with AI simulation challenges, such as data-driven modeling, edge-case testing, and scalability in cloud or distributed environments
Ability to work in a dynamic, high-stakes setting with frequent pivots and tight deadlines
Benefits
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
Company
Tesla
Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that provides electric cars, solar, and renewable energy solutions.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Tesla has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2796)
2024 (2113)
2023 (1304)
2022 (1227)
2021 (1102)
2020 (723)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$20.12BKey Investors
Societe GeneraleEuropean UnionPennDOT
2024-10-05Post Ipo Debt· $783M
2023-09-13Grant· $159.6M
2023-08-15Grant· $0.23M
Leadership Team
Vaibhav Taneja
Chief Financial Officer
Tom Zhu
SVP of Automotive
Recent News
2026-01-14
2026-01-14
Company data provided by crunchbase