Staff Physical Design Engineer, AI Hardware

Tesla Motors, Inc.
152,000 - 264,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Dec 25, 2025
What to Expect The Tesla AI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial intelligence throughcutting-edgehardware 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), andTeslahumanoid robot, Optimus, pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency and performance. By creating custom silicon and optimized architectures, the team ensures Teslaremainsa 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 $152,000 - $264,000/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.