Sr. SOC Emulation Engineer, AI Hardware

Sr. SOC Emulation Engineer, AI Hardware Tesla Motors, Inc. 160,000 - 414,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto Apr 16, 2026
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 inference chips tailored to accelerate Tesla's machine learning capabilities. A key part of this effort is Dojo, Tesla's custom supercomputer system built to efficiently train massive neural networks on vast video data from the fleet. The work of Tesla's AI Hardware team 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. The AI Hardware team is seeking an SOC Emulation Engineer to contribute to pre-silicon emulation of block and top-level SOC. With foundational knowledge of SoC architecture and emulation methodologies-ideally with exposure to platforms like Synopsys ZeBu-you'll work closely with experienced teams to help build a metric-driven, configurable, and flexible emulation environment that speeds up validation and reveals insights early in the design process. We are open to hiring in Austin, TX and Palo Alto, CA. What You'll Do
Assist team members in defining and setting up block-level and SoC-level emulation environments, with a focus on platforms like Synopsys ZeBu
Contribute to architecting reusable emulation test benches, helping integrate multi-instance VIPs, sub-system models, and test suites at the SOC level
Support achieving functional goals by collaborating with Design, Architecture, Design Verification, System Software, Firmware, and external IP teams to integrate and validate designs
Help create goal-driven emulation plans based on specifications
Assist in defining and reviewing emulation and validation test plans from team members
Contribute to post-silicon validation and SoC bring-up using emulation techniques
Learn and apply details of High Efficiency SoC Architecture, standard SOC peripherals and I/O (e.g., DDR, Ethernet, PCIe), DMA, memory management, multi-processor systems, Memory Controller Sub Systems, PLL, power-up, and Secure Boot schemes What You'll Bring
Relevant experience, such as internships, academic projects, or roles in design verification or emulation
Solid programming skills in SystemVerilog, C/C++, Python (coursework or personal projects count)
Exposure to SoC integration, preferably through emulation or simulation projects
Some familiarity with emulation platforms like Palladium or Synopsys ZeBu (hands-on experience is a plus, but enthusiasm to learn is key)
Interest in SOC bring-up and post-silicon verification
Experience or coursework with at least one of the following in an emulation or verification context: AMBA Interfaces, Ethernet, PCIe, DDR 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.