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SOC Characterization Engineer, AI Hardware

Tesla
Palo Alto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/12/2026 CLOSED ON 5/12/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the SOC Characterization Engineer, AI Hardware position at Tesla?

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


  • Benefits
    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


  • 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

    Salary : $124,000 - $282,000

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