Robotic Thermal Design Engineer, AI Hardware

Robotic Thermal Design Engineer, AI Hardware Tesla Motors, Inc. 108,000 - 264,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Apr 21, 2026 What to Expect Tesla is redefining the future of AI and hardware innovation. As a Robotic Thermal Design Engineer, you will define and implement thermal solutions for high-density AI silicon powering next-generation humanoid robotics. This role requires a practical, hands-on approach to solving complex thermal challenges at an architectural level, ensuring scalability, reliability, and manufacturability in high-volume production. What You'll Do

AI Chip Thermal Architecture:

Lead the thermal-aware co-design of the AI chip from the ground up. Define the physical integration strategy (e.g., 2.5D/3D structures, chiplet arrangements), guide the silicon floorplan, and influence the power delivery network to proactively mitigate hot spots and maximize performance within the robotic system

Simulation & Validation:

Build and correlate high-fidelity thermal models to predict silicon and module performance under real-world robotic operating conditions, including transient power spikes and harsh ambient environments. Validate designs through rigorous lab testing and data analysis

Material & Component Selection:

Characterize, select, and qualify cutting-edge thermal interface materials (TIMs), heat spreaders, and module-level thermal solutions. Drive the material roadmap to enable the thermal architecture of future product generations

Cross-Functional Leadership:

Drive thermal-aware silicon floor planning and design. Collaborate with silicon, package design, and cross functional teams to define architectural trade-offs between performance, cost, and mechanical reliability

Manufacturing Support:

Partner with manufacturing teams to resolve thermal-related yield issues, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure seamless transitions from R D to production What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability Advanced proficiency in a major thermal simulation tool (e.g., Flotherm, Icepak) and hands-on experience with chip-level thermal design and integration Deep understanding of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation) and advanced silicon integration technologies (e.g., BGA, flip-chip, 2.5D/3D integration) Hands-on experience with material selection for thermal applications, including TIMs, phase-change materials, and designing module-level thermal solutions Problem-solving skills: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot thermal failures, optimize designs for cost/performance, and drive solutions from concept to production

Preferred:

Experience with thermal management for AI accelerators (GPUs, TPUs), robotics, or automotive-grade electronics; familiarity with

JEDEC/IPC

standards; proficiency with scripting (Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and automation 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 $108,000 - $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.