Demo

SOC Characterization Engineer, AI Hardware

Tesla Motors, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/18/2026
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 chips tailored to accelerate Tesla's machine learning capabilities. Their work 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.

Candidate in this role will own silicon efforts to optimize operating points of each process core within the SOC for Power, Performance, Quality & Yield.

We are open to hiring in Austin, TX; Palo Alto, CA.


What You'll Do

  • Define characterization plans for each processor core within the SOC
  • NPI development of performance stress tests for different processor cores
  • Perform & correlate measurements across ATE & SLT over volume, define guard bands
  • Drive corrective actions to improve correlation between test platforms
  • Develop innovative solutions to set optimal system operating voltage/frequency points
  • Ensure alignment of operating points from manufacturing screen to system operation


What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related fields, or equivalent experience
  • 5-10 years of related experience in characterization of various processor cores on SOC such as CPU, GPU, Neural Processors
  • Expertise in bring-up of processor stress tests in collaboration with cross functional teams
  • Experience in measuring Vmin/power on System and ATE
  • Experience in volume data processing, statistical data analysis, scripting for automation
  • Good understanding various effects that limit Vmin performance


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
    $124,000 - $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 is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

     

    Salary : $124,000 - $282,000

    If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
    Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
    Employees: Get a Salary Increase
    View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

    Job openings at Tesla Motors, Inc.

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Honolulu, HI
    • What to Expect Tesla is looking for a ServiceAssistantto work on one of the most progressive vehicles in the world. We are seeking professional customer se... more
    • 3 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Honolulu, HI
    • What to Expect At Tesla, our Customer Experience Specialists are at the heart of everything we do. They deliver exciting, engaging, and educational experie... more
    • 3 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Sparks, NV
    • What to Expect This position is an integral part of the Supply Chain Operations organization and will be responsible for managing incoming parts inspection... more
    • 3 Days Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Draper, UT
    • What to Expect This role is an Accountant on the Corporate Accounting team and will primarily focus on performing bank and merchant account reconciliations... more
    • 3 Days Ago


    Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other SOC Characterization Engineer, AI Hardware jobs in the Palo Alto, CA area that may be a better fit.

    • Tesla Palo Alto, CA
    • What To Expect The Tesla AI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial intelligence through cutting-edge hardware innovation. Comprisi... more
    • 1 Month Ago

    • Tesla Motors, Inc. Palo Alto, CA
    • What to Expect The Tesla AI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial intelligence through cutting-edge hardware innovation. Comprisi... more
    • 10 Days Ago

    AI Assistant is available now!

    Feel free to start your new journey!