T
Staff Hardware Engineer, Sensing Architect
Accepting applicationsTesla · Palo Alto, CA
Full-Time Mid_senior AIDFTMATLABPythonSPI
Posted
28 May
Category
Test
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
What To Expect
This is for the architect of perception.
At Tesla’s Sensing Hardware Team, we don’t just design sensors — we define how our autonomous vehicles, Full Self-Driving systems, and AI perceive the world.
Our sensing systems enable vehicle autonomy, in-cabin comfort and human interaction — inside and out — vehicle dynamics and safety, and environmental monitoring — shaping how the vehicle sees, responds, and evolves. Sensing is core to hardware architecture, extending far beyond PCBs and electronics, and you are the go-to expert when the solution space is still a blank page, constraints are tight, and the stakes are high.
You think in systems, not just circuits. You see the ripple effects: how technology choices influence hardware design, how sensor placement affects closed-loop control, how component decisions shape manufacturability, reliability, and safety, and how the overall sensing system drives feature delivery. Working from first principles, you probe constraints, technology limits, edge cases, and trade-offs to shape the future of personal mobility.
You anticipate problems, prototype boldly, and prove what works. You serve as the bridge between bold vision and engineered reality — turning possibility into truth through insight, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration. This is not just engineering. This is building the foundation of what’s next. This is your opportunity to be the one who makes it possible. Your decisions will shape how the vehicle sees, reacts, and evolves — long after the first prototype is built.
What You'll Do
Define system-level specifications: Lead cross-functional sensor system design discussions with product, studio, and systems teams to translate high-level requirements into precise, measurable sensor specifications, technology proposals, integration constraints, and development strategies
Champion early prototyping and risk mitigation: Drive rapid prototyping efforts to validate novel sensing concepts and de-risk technology before production, accelerating time-to-market for new capabilities
Architect sensor subsystems: Develop system block diagrams, functional specifications, and performance requirements. Lead FMEA-driven design strategies and establish a development and validation plan aligned with program milestones to ensure reliability and readiness for production
Own schematic, PCB, and BOM execution: Lead end-to-end hardware development—from schematic capture and high-integrity PCB layout using EDA tools to BOM definition—ensuring signal integrity, power delivery, thermal performance, and EMC compliance. Partner with supply chain to balance performance, cost, availability, and long-term scalability
Ensure qualification and compliance: Own the hardware qualification process across environmental, mechanical, and safety requirements—driving compliance with automotive standards including AEC-Q100, ISO 16750, and ISO 26262. Validate performance under extreme temperature, vibration, humidity, and EMI conditions to ensure robustness in real-world deployment
Enable high-volume production: Partner with manufacturing, test, and supplier teams to optimize yield, reduce defects, and scale production—delivering repeatable, high-quality processes for mass deployment across global vehicle programs
What You'll Bring
Deep understanding of touch, force, proximity, position, temperature, humidity, and solar load sensing—applied through theory, simulation, and rapid prototyping
Proficient in AFE design, DSP, and interface protocols (I²C, SPI, CAN) for robust, low-noise signal acquisition
Proven track record in full-cycle development of high-reliability sensor systems—from concept to production
Skilled in Altium, SolidWorks, SPICE, ANSYS, Python, and MATLAB for design, simulation, and data-driven iteration
Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, deliver high-impact presentations, and drive alignment across teams. Hands-on experience with DFM, DFT, process capabilities, and yield optimization—gained on the production floor
Strategic knowledge of the sensor ecosystem and supplier roadmaps; proven ability to collaborate with suppliers to solve complex technical challenges
Benefits
Compensation and 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
$91,600 - $276,000/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.
, Tesla
Show more Show less
This is for the architect of perception.
At Tesla’s Sensing Hardware Team, we don’t just design sensors — we define how our autonomous vehicles, Full Self-Driving systems, and AI perceive the world.
Our sensing systems enable vehicle autonomy, in-cabin comfort and human interaction — inside and out — vehicle dynamics and safety, and environmental monitoring — shaping how the vehicle sees, responds, and evolves. Sensing is core to hardware architecture, extending far beyond PCBs and electronics, and you are the go-to expert when the solution space is still a blank page, constraints are tight, and the stakes are high.
You think in systems, not just circuits. You see the ripple effects: how technology choices influence hardware design, how sensor placement affects closed-loop control, how component decisions shape manufacturability, reliability, and safety, and how the overall sensing system drives feature delivery. Working from first principles, you probe constraints, technology limits, edge cases, and trade-offs to shape the future of personal mobility.
You anticipate problems, prototype boldly, and prove what works. You serve as the bridge between bold vision and engineered reality — turning possibility into truth through insight, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration. This is not just engineering. This is building the foundation of what’s next. This is your opportunity to be the one who makes it possible. Your decisions will shape how the vehicle sees, reacts, and evolves — long after the first prototype is built.
What You'll Do
Define system-level specifications: Lead cross-functional sensor system design discussions with product, studio, and systems teams to translate high-level requirements into precise, measurable sensor specifications, technology proposals, integration constraints, and development strategies
Champion early prototyping and risk mitigation: Drive rapid prototyping efforts to validate novel sensing concepts and de-risk technology before production, accelerating time-to-market for new capabilities
Architect sensor subsystems: Develop system block diagrams, functional specifications, and performance requirements. Lead FMEA-driven design strategies and establish a development and validation plan aligned with program milestones to ensure reliability and readiness for production
Own schematic, PCB, and BOM execution: Lead end-to-end hardware development—from schematic capture and high-integrity PCB layout using EDA tools to BOM definition—ensuring signal integrity, power delivery, thermal performance, and EMC compliance. Partner with supply chain to balance performance, cost, availability, and long-term scalability
Ensure qualification and compliance: Own the hardware qualification process across environmental, mechanical, and safety requirements—driving compliance with automotive standards including AEC-Q100, ISO 16750, and ISO 26262. Validate performance under extreme temperature, vibration, humidity, and EMI conditions to ensure robustness in real-world deployment
Enable high-volume production: Partner with manufacturing, test, and supplier teams to optimize yield, reduce defects, and scale production—delivering repeatable, high-quality processes for mass deployment across global vehicle programs
What You'll Bring
Deep understanding of touch, force, proximity, position, temperature, humidity, and solar load sensing—applied through theory, simulation, and rapid prototyping
Proficient in AFE design, DSP, and interface protocols (I²C, SPI, CAN) for robust, low-noise signal acquisition
Proven track record in full-cycle development of high-reliability sensor systems—from concept to production
Skilled in Altium, SolidWorks, SPICE, ANSYS, Python, and MATLAB for design, simulation, and data-driven iteration
Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, deliver high-impact presentations, and drive alignment across teams. Hands-on experience with DFM, DFT, process capabilities, and yield optimization—gained on the production floor
Strategic knowledge of the sensor ecosystem and supplier roadmaps; proven ability to collaborate with suppliers to solve complex technical challenges
Benefits
Compensation and 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
$91,600 - $276,000/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.
, Tesla
Show more Show less