Embedded Systems Engineer, Optimus

Embedded Systems Engineer, Optimus Tesla Motors, Inc. 140,000 - 390,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Palo Alto May 09, 2026
What to Expect Tesla is on a path to building humanoid robots at scale to automate repetitive and boring tasks. We are looking for firmware engineers to develop the embedded software that powers ourOptimusplatform, spanning Linuxbring-upon application processors and real-time firmware onheterogeneouscomputearchitectures. In this role, you will bring up new SoCs and carrier boards, integrate vendorboard support packages and develop custom Linux kernel modules, write scalable drivers to interface with ASICs, bring up new communication protocols, and develop application-level modules to achieve specific functions across robotics subsystems. The robotics firmware team isagile, passionate, and fast-moving. Come join a team of deeply knowledgeable engineers that strive to build the most robust and reliable embedded systems usingcutting-edgesoftware development tools and practices. What You'll Do Development of scalable real-time embeddedand modern C++ applicationsoftwarethat implementsaudio digital signal processing,displaydriversandhigh-speedcommunicationdrivers for connectivity Development of embeddedsystem architectureforinter-process and inter-processor communication,bootand updaterflowsacross Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal domains Bring-up ofnew SoCs and carrier boards by integrating vendorboard support packages, configuring device trees, andvalidatingperipheral functionality Development ofautomated testingto ensure high quality software releases andcompletefunctionality Involvementin the full life cycle of firmwaredevelopmentthrough integration,testing, and release as our fleet of robotsgrows Collaborationwithelectronics,connectivityandcomputersteamstospecifytoinfluenceelectronicsdesignsand prototype new hardware What You'll Bring 2+ years of relevant experience in real-time embedded software development Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, ElectricalEngineeringor proof of exceptional skills in related fields, with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent experience StrongCor C++ skillsrequired;familiarity with Python is a plus Experience configuring and building Linux distributions withBuildrootorsimilar;familiarity with kernel configuration and cross-compilation toolchainsis a plus Working knowledge of SoCdevice trees,peripheralsand buses: I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, ADC, eMMC/SD, PCIe, USB, Ethernet (MAC/PHY/MDIO), and CAN Experience developing Linux kernel modules and platform drivers, in addition to integrating vendor board support packages Experience with Ethernet PHY bring-up, PHY drivers, MDIO, and link-layer debugging; exposure to TSN, PTP, and/or AVB is a plus Experience reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior 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
$140,000 - $390,000/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.