Staff Physical Design Engineer, AI Hardware

What to Expect The Tesla AI 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 AI inference chips tailored to accelerate Tesla's machine learning capabilities. A key part of this effort is Dojo, Tesla's custom supercomputer system built to efficiently train massive neural networks on vast video data from the fleet. The work of Tesla's AI 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 AI-driven automotive and energy solutions, shaping a future where intelligent machines enhance human life. Tesla's AI Hardware Team is looking for experienced, highly skilled VLSI engineers who enjoy working across the logic, circuit, methodology, and physical design levels. Our physical design team is growing to tackle a wider range of projects, building on our in-house SOC design expertise. This position entails the design, construction and integration of SOCs, IP, circuits, tool flows, and methodologies into systems using advanced technologies - from definition through characterization. What You'll Do * Lead and drive large design blocks and SOCs from early design stage to tape out * Floorplan and partition designs to meet area, timing, and power requirements * Construct high-speed blocks, from synthesis, place, and route, out through timing, physical, and electrical closure to meet performance, robustness, reliability, and power targets * Read RTL, understand block micro-architecture, perform RTL modifications and prove logical equivalence as needed What You'll Bring * Engineering degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience * 10+ years of industry work experience in VLSI/IC design * Knowledge and experience with logic design and synthesis tools and techniques * Proficient in place and route tools and approaches * Proficient in timing and electrical analysis in advanced nodes, including high-frequency design closure, IR drop, power, and reliability * Skilled with CAD tools and scripting languages (Perl or Python) * Understand cell and transistor level digital circuit design, memory and clock structures, and design methodologies * Good understanding of RTL, DFT, and microarchitecture * Good communication skills and a demonstrated team player and flexible and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment * Experience in any of these areas is a plus: SOC level physical integration and validation, post-silicon characterization Compensation and Benefits 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 $188,000 - $312,000/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 is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this site click here to download a free compatible screen reader (free step by step tutorial can be found here). Please contact ADA@ for ADA related questions or to request ADA accommodations. Privacy is a top priority for Tesla. We build it into our products and view it as an essential part of our business. To understand more about the data we collect and process as part of your application, please view our Tesla Talent Privacy Notice . Staff Physical Design Engineer, AI Hardware Tesla participates in the E-Verify Program

Created: 2026-04-02