Space Radiation Engineer, AI Hardware

Space Radiation Engineer, AI Hardware Tesla Motors, Inc. 160,000 - 414,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Apr 09, 2026 What to Expect We are building the future of computing in partnering with SpaceX - a distributed, AI-optimized data center infrastructure operating in space. The terawatts orbital AI data center will be powered by Dojo - our custom supercomputer designed for the neural networks behind SpaceX, xAI, FSD, and Optimus. As a Space Radiation Engineer, you will be the primary technical authority on ensuring high-performance AI accelerators (TPUs/GPUs), storage, and networking hardware can withstand the harsh space environment. You will lead the effort to transition from conventional hardware hardening to advanced architectural resilience, ensuring our data center scales safely while providing low-latency compute to terrestrial users. What You'll Do

Radiation Environment Modeling:

Analyze and predict space radiation environments (trapped particles, solar events, galactic cosmic rays) for targeted orbital altitudes (LEO/MEO)

AI Hardware Hardening:

Develop shielding and mitigation strategies for cutting-edge AI accelerators to ensure Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Displacement Damage Dose (DDD), and Single Event Effect (SEE) tolerance

Radiation Testing Campaigns:

Plan and execute radiation testing campaigns (heavy-ion and proton beam) at national laboratories to characterize component sensitivity

Architectural Resilience:

Collaborate with computer architects to design software-defined fault tolerance, error detection, and correction techniques (ECC) to handle Single Event Upsets (SEUs)

Simulation & Analysis:

Use computational tools (e.g., GEANT4, MCNPX, NOVICE, SpaceRad, CREME) to model radiation transport through spacecraft shielding

Root-Cause Analysis:

Investigate radiation-induced anomalies and failures during simulation and testing, providing actionable design modifications

Documentation & Standards:

Establish radiation hardness assurance (RHA) plans and requirements for high-density, multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) What You'll Bring Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent experience 5+ years of experience in space radiation effects analysis, modeling, and testing Proven experience with space radiation tools such as CREME96, SPENVIS, FASTRAD, or NOVICE Deep understanding of semiconductor physics and radiation impacts on microelectronics (ASICs, FPGAs, CPUs) Strong written and verbal skills to present risk assessments to project stakeholders 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 $160,000 - $414,000/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.