Staff Data Center Architect, AI Hardware

Staff Data Center Architect, AI Hardware Tesla Motors, Inc. 128,000 - 414,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto May 07, 2026
What to Expect The Tesla AI Hardware team stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, developing custom silicon and compute infrastructure that redefinewhat'spossible in machine learning. Our team designs advanced AI accelerators and the datacenter systems that scale them-from Dojo, Tesla's purpose-built supercomputer, to the infrastructure that trains massive neural networks powering Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot. This hardware pushes the boundaries of computational performance and efficiency. Through relentless innovation in custom silicon and optimized architectures,we'rebuilding the foundation for AI systems that will transform transportation, robotics, and beyond. We are seeking an AI Datacenter Architect to drive the end-to-end design of our custom computing platforms-from silicon integration to board-level architecture, backplane interconnects, and complete rack systems. You will make architectural decisions across the entire stack, ensuring every layer-chip packaging, compute boards, power delivery, thermal management, and datacenter deployment-works in harmony to deliver the performance and reliability that Tesla's rapidly scaling AI workloads demand. What You'll Do
Lead datacenter system architecture from chip design through deployment-defining server platforms, rack configurations, and network topologies for large-scale AI training
Drive system designs to maximize performance & compute density while ensuring 24/7 reliability and cost-effective total cost of ownership
Evaluate compute architectures and interconnects for high-performance AI systems,optimizingsignal integrity, power delivery, and thermal management across multi-accelerator configurations
Establishvalidation frameworks to stress-test datacenter systems under production AI workloads,identifyingfailure modes and performance issues before deployment
Partner with silicon, firmware, validation, and operations teams as well as technology partners to influence next-generation accelerator architecture, align product roadmaps, and coordinate procurement strategies What You'll Bring
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
8+ years designing and deploying complex datacenter systems at scale
Analytical skills in performance modeling, power/thermal analysis, and cost optimization
Experience in datacenter networking (Ethernet 100G+, InfiniBand, RoCE, RDMA)
Experience with high-speed interconnects (PCIe, CXL,UAlink, Infinity Fabric,NVLink)
Proven ability solving problems across software and hardware-from firmware to application-level performance
Hands-on experience with system validation, performance characterization, and benchmarking of datacenter platforms
Track recordleading multidisciplinary teams and partnering with suppliers, OEMs, and technology partners on product development 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
$128,000 - $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.