Embedded Software Engineer, Thermal Systems, Vehicle Software

About the role

Embedded Software Engineer, Thermal Systems, Vehicle Software | Tesla (Vehicle Software)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 255285 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Help Build the Thermal Foundation of Autonomy. As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Thermal Systems Software team, you will develop the firmware that keeps Full Self-Driving and Cybercab operating reliably, efficiently, and comfortably. You will architect, design, and implement embedded software for the motors, actuators, and sensors that manage temperatures of the battery, drive units, charger, and cabin—systems essential for sustained autonomous performance, passenger experience in unsupervised robotaxis, and maximum energy efficiency.

Tesla Thermal Systems is one of the largest energy consumers in the vehicle, making your work critical to extending range, enabling long-duration autonomous operation, and delivering precise, intuitive cabin climate control for Cybercab riders. You will deliver high-quality embedded code that runs on Tesla controllers and production lines while contributing to user-facing HVAC features. Join the team whose thermal control software helps turn FSD intelligence into real-world, scalable autonomy—come build the efficient, reliable thermal systems that make Cybercab and unsupervised Full Self-Driving possible.

What You'll Do

• Develop, enhance and debug new and existing behaviors for the coolant, refrigerant, and cabin HVAC systems
• Drive firmware development in C in a real-time embedded environment for performance, scalability, robustness, and tight integration with the hardware
• Hands-on with hardware bring up, build and enforce component validation for delivering robust, functional code
• Collaborate across disciplines with electrical, mechanical, and controls engineering teams to produce integrated software-hardware solutions
• Work with various cross-functional teams to develop requirements for new thermal system features, diagnostics, algorithms, etc.
• Clearly communicate complex technical concepts to management, highlighting key issues and risks
• Implement continuous improvements and best practices within the team, and larger organization

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar areas of study, or equivalent experience
• Hands on experience with various motor types (brushed, brushless, steppers) and sensor types (analog, digital encoders)
• Familiarity with control loops and PID controllers
• Proficiency in C and real time embedded environments
• Proficiency in Python
• Familiarity with real-time embedded concepts such as shared resources, hardware interrupts, and RTOS
• Strong software fundamentals including firmware architecture, algorithm development, data structures, code modularity, and maintainability
• Fluent in working with microcontroller peripherals such as timers, ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, UART, LIN, I2C
• Experience with reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior

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$120,000 - $396,000/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.