Firmware Engineer, AI Hardware
Tesla
Palo Alto · California · United States
Full-time
5-10
128,000 – 282,000
1d ago
90%
Strong
Job description
What To Expect
The Tesla AI Hardware team stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, developing custom silicon and compute infrastructure that redefine what's possible in machine learning. Our team designs advanced AI accelerators and the datacenter systems that scale them—from Dojo, Tesla's purpose-built supercomputer, to the infrastructure that trains massive neural networks powering Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot. Every custom chip, every server, and every rack requires firmware that maximizes performance, ensures reliability, and enables seamless integration at datacenter scale.
We are seeking a Firmware Engineer to develop low-level software that brings our AI hardware to life. You will work on firmware for custom SOCs, microcontrollers, and datacenter compute platforms, writing code that runs on bare metal, FreeRTOS, and Linux to enable hardware bringup, system validation, and production deployment.
What You'll Do
Develop firmware for datacenter systems including X86/ARM CPUs, custom SoC, microcontrollers, and BMCs to enable hardware initialization, power management, thermal control, and system monitoring
Bringup of new silicon and compute platforms
Driver development (Linux, FreeRTOS, etc)
Create diagnostic and validation tools to test firmware functionality, performance, and reliability
Implement system-level features including boot sequences, firmware updates, fault detection, error handling, and recovery mechanisms for high-reliability datacenter operations
What You'll Bring
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
3+ years of embedded systems or firmware development experience
Strong proficiency embedded systems programming (C/C++, Rust, etc)
Hands-on experience with microcontrollers, SoCs, and hardware peripherals (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO)
Experience with hardware bringup, debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and lab validation
Proven experience developing firmware for baremetal environments, FreeRTOS, or embedded Linux
Deep understanding of hardware/software interfaces, memory management, and low-level system architecture
Strong debugging skills across firmware, hardware, and software domains
Ability to read schematics, datasheets, and hardware specifications
Benefits
Compensation and 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
$128,000 - $282,000/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.
, Tesla