Applied SI Engineer, SI Hardware

About the role

• Applied SI Engineer, SI Hardware | Tesla (Tesla SI)
• Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 254895 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

The Tesla SI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial intelligence through cutting-edge hardware innovation. Comprising brilliant engineers and visionaries, the team designs and develops advanced SI inference chips tailored to accelerate Tesla’s machine learning capabilities.

A key part of this effort is Dojo, Tesla's custom supercomputer system built to efficiently train massive neural networks on vast video data from the fleet. The work of Tesla's SI Hardware team powers the neural networks behind Full Self-Driving (FSD), and Tesla humanoid robot, Optimus, pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency and performance.

By creating custom silicon and optimized architectures, the team ensures Tesla remains a leader in AI-driven automotive and energy solutions, shaping a future where intelligent machines enhance human life.

The SI Hardware Engineering team at Tesla is transforming EDA tools through AI-driven innovation to supercharge custom silicon for Full Self-Driving and Optimus robotics. We approach EDA as an end-to-end machine intelligence platform: infusing neural networks into synthesis, placement, routing, and verification flows, where every simulation cycle yields actionable data, every constraint optimization trains smarter algorithms, and every silicon revision hones our models for unprecedented speed and efficiency in next-gen autonomous systems.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop AI-powered applications ranging from verifiable environment design to physical placement optimization and proxy reward exploration
• Create or customize solutions (e.g., in Tcl, Perl, or Python) to automate EDA flows, improve efficiency, and address specific design challenges in simulation, verification, or layout (e.g. MCP)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software and hardware teams to accelerate the hardware development lifecycle
• Strive to close the gap between AI-driven EDA and traditional sign-off ready tools

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Applied Math/Physics, or related field, or equivalent experience with experience developing and shipping production ML systems
• Expertise in ML fundamentals with implementation experience in Python + ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX); experience with graph ML (e.g., PyG, DGL) for netlists and geometric data
• VLSI foundation in analog/digital circuit design, including transistor-level modeling, layout parasitics, and custom IC flows  is a bonus
• Hands-on integration with EDA tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Synopsys HSPICE, PrimeTime and familiarity with opportunities for SI enhancement
• Knowledge of static timing analysis, routing tools, and potential SI applications
• Proven track record in data pipelines for engineering datasets: curation, augmentation, and versioning for circuit simulation outputs
• Bias for action, experimentation mindset, and ability to thrive in ambiguous, high-stakes environments with rapid prototyping

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$160,000 - $312,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.