Hardware Engineer, Sensing Architect

What to Expect

This is for the architect of perception.

At Tesla's Sensing Hardware Team, we don'tjust design sensors - we define how our autonomous vehicles, Full Self-Driving systems, and AI perceive the world.

Our sensing systems enable vehicle autonomy, in-cabin comfort and human interaction - inside and out - vehicle dynamics and safety, and environmental monitoring - shaping how the vehicle sees, responds, and evolves.

Sensing is core to hardware architecture, extending far beyond PCBs and electronics, and you are the go-to expert when the solution space is still a blank page, constraints are tight, and the stakes are high.

You think insystems, not just circuits. You see the ripple effects: how technology choices influence hardware design, how sensor placement affects closed-loop control, how componentdecisions shape manufacturability, reliability, and safety, and how the overall sensing system drives feature delivery. Working from first principles, you probe constraints, technology limits, edge cases, and trade-offs to shape the future of personal mobility.

You anticipateproblems, prototype boldly, and prove what works. You serve as the bridge between bold vision and engineered reality - turning possibility into truth through insight, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration.

This is not just engineering. This is building the foundation of what'snext.

This is your opportunity to be the one who makes it possible.

Your decisions will shape how the vehicle sees, reacts, and evolves - long after the first prototype is built.

• Define system-level specifications:
  Lead cross-functional sensor system design discussions with product, studio, and systems teams to translate high-level requirements into precise, measurable sensor specifications, technology proposals, integration constraints, and development strategies
• Champion early prototyping and risk mitigation:
  Drive rapid prototyping efforts to validate novel sensing concepts and de-risk technology before production, accelerating time-to-market for new capabilities
• Architect sensor subsystems:
  Develop system block diagrams, functional specifications, and performance requirements. Lead FMEA-driven design strategies and establish a development and validation plan aligned with program milestones to ensure reliability and readiness for production
• Own schematic, PCB, and BOM execution:
  Lead end-to-end hardware development-from schematic capture and high-integrity PCB layout using EDA tools to BOM definition-ensuring signal integrity, power delivery, thermal performance, and EMC compliance. Partner with supply chain to balance performance, cost, availability, and long-term scalability
• Ensure qualification and compliance:
  Own the hardware qualification process across environmental, mechanical, and safety requirements-driving compliance with automotive standards including AEC-Q100, ISO 16750, and ISO 26262. Validate performance under extreme temperature, vibration, humidity, and EMI conditions to ensure robustness in real-world deployment
• Enable high-volume production:
  Partner with manufacturing, test, and supplier teams to optimize yield, reduce defects, and scale production delivering repeatable, high-quality processes for mass deployment across global vehicle programs

• Deep understanding of touch, force, proximity, position, temperature, humidity, and solar load sensing-applied through theory, simulation, and rapid prototyping
• Proficient in AFE design, DSP, and interface protocols (IC, SPI, CAN) for robust, low-noise signal acquisition
• Proven track record in full-cycle development of high-reliability sensor systems-from concept to production
• Skilled in Altium, Solid Works, SPICE, ANSYS, Python, and MATLAB for design, simulation, and data-driven iteration
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, deliver high-impact presentations, and drive alignment across teams. Hands-on experience with DFM, DFT, process capabilities, and yield optimization-gained on the production floor
• Strategic knowledge of the sensor ecosystem and supplier roadmaps; proven ability to collaborate with suppliers to solve complex technical challenges