Software Engineer, Performance Modeling, SI Hardware

About the role

Software Engineer, Performance Modeling, SI Hardware | Tesla (Tesla SI)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 273570 | 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.

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 SI-driven automotive and energy solutions, shaping a future where intelligent machines enhance human life.

As a key member of the Tesla SI hardware team, the SI/ML Modeling Engineer will drive the modeling, and optimization of next-generation tensor compute hardware. This role requires a deep expertise in computer architecture, and proven proficiency in performance modeling and optimization. The ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of SI workloads, and thrives in fast-paced environments, delivering elegant, high-performance solutions that push the boundaries of SI hardware efficiency.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate closely with system architects, micro architects, ML model designers, and compiler engineers to create highly efficient hardware designs on accelerated timelines
• Develop and validate sophisticated performance models to evaluate architecture and microarchitecture tradeoffs, guiding informed decision-making
• Define comprehensive workload suites and key performance metrics to benchmark and evaluate hardware capabilities
• Analyze and assess implementations of machine learning algorithms on Tesla SI hardware, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement
• Participate in hardware/software co-design efforts to align future hardware capabilities with evolving algorithmic demands
• Contribute to code reviews, testing, and debugging processes to maintain exceptional code quality and reliability
• Stay abreast of cutting-edge advancements in SI workloads, domain-specific languages, computer architecture, and simulation methodologies to inform strategic directions

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating exceptional ability
• In-depth knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs), transformer architectures, including their training, inference processes, and optimization techniques
• Strong expertise in CPU, GPU, and/or ML accelerator microarchitectures, with hands-on experience in performance characterization
• Proficiency with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, Pallas, or similar tools
• Robust programming skills in C/C++, Python, or other relevant languages
• Solid understanding of physical design constraints, including power, performance, and area (PPA) tradeoffs in hardware development
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, capable of dissecting complex issues and devising innovative, practical solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration across teams, including leadership and engineering stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in performance analysis, including the use of simulation frameworks and profiling tools

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 - $390,000/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.