What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Hardware Engineer, Sensing Architect position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
This is for the architect ofperception.
At Tesla's Sensing Hardware Team, wedon'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-cabincomfortand 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 blankpage,constraints are tight, and the stakes are high.
You thinkinsystems, not just circuits. You see the ripple effects: how technology choices influence hardware design, how sensor placement affects closed-loop control, howcomponentdecisions 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.
Youanticipateproblems, 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 ofwhat'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.
What You'll Do
- 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 tovalidatenovel 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 andestablisha 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 tooptimizeyield, reduce defects, and scale production-delivering repeatable, high-quality processes for mass deployment across global vehicle programs
What You'll Bring
- 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
- Proventrack recordin full-cycle development of high-reliability sensor systems-from concept to production
- Skilled in Altium, SolidWorks, 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
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
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 : $91,600 - $276,000