Firmware Engineer, AI Hardware

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 is 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.

• 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.
• Bring up new silicon and compute platforms.
• Develop drivers (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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of embedded systems or firmware development experience.
• Strong proficiency in 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 bare‑metal 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.

• Medical plans with zero payroll deduction.
• Family‑building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental and vision plans with zero paycheck contribution.
• Company‑paid HSA contribution when enrolled in the high‑deductible medical plan.
• 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 and AD&D coverage.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sick and vacation time (flexible for salary positions, accrued hours for hourly positions) and paid holidays.
• Backup childcare and parenting support resources.
• Voluntary benefits such as 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.

$128,000 – $282,000 annual salary plus cash and stock awards and benefits. Pay may vary by location, market, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package 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