Embedded Systems Engineer, Optimus

Tesla

Palo Alto, California Posted October 27, 2026

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On-site Full-time Mid level
Job Description

Description:
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 our Optimus platform, spanning Linux bring-up on application processors and real-time firmware on heterogeneous compute architectures. In this role, you will bring up new SoCs and carrier boards, integrate vendor board 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 is agile, passionate, and fast-moving. Come join a team of deeply knowledgeable engineers that strive to build the most robust and reliable embedded systems using cutting-edge software development tools and practices.

Responsibilities:
Development of scalable real-time embedded and modern C++ application software that implements audio digital signal processing, display drivers and high-speed communication drivers for connectivity

Development of embedded system architecture for inter-process and inter-processor communication, boot and updater flows across Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal domains

Bring-up of new SoCs and carrier boards by integrating vendor board support packages, configuring device trees, and validating peripheral functionality

Development of automated testing to ensure high quality software releases and complete functionality

Involvement in the full life cycle of firmware development through integration, testing, and release as our fleet of robots grows

Collaboration with electronics, connectivity and computers teams to specify to influence electronics designs and prototype new hardware

Requirements:
2+ years of relevant experience in real-time embedded software development

Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or proof of exceptional skills in related fields, with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent experience

Strong C or C++ skills required; familiarity with Python is a plus

Experience configuring and building Linux distributions with Buildroot or similar; familiarity with kernel configuration and cross-compilation toolchains is a plus

Working knowledge of SoC device trees, peripherals and 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 & 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 + benefitsPay 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.

Required Skills
Linux communication software development C++ testing collaboration electrical engineering Python technical drawings
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