T
Staff Physical Verification Engineer, AI Hardware
Accepting applicationsTesla · Palo Alto, CA
Full-Time Mid_senior AICalibreSOCSicSoC
Posted
17 Apr
Category
Design
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
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. Tesla's AI Hardware Team is looking for experienced, highly skilled VLSI engineers who enjoy working across the logic, circuit, methodology, and physical design levels. Our physical design team is growing to tackle a wider range of projects, building on our in-house SOC design expertise. This position entails the design, construction and integration of SOCs, IP, circuits, tool flows, and methodologies into systems using advanced technologies - from definition through characterization.
Our AI Hardware engineering team is taping out complex SoCs at advanced nodes. As a Staff Physical Verification Engineer, you will own the physical verification signoff flow end-to-end — from DRC and LVS through ESD and antenna — ensuring every design meets foundry requirements before tapeout. This role sits at the critical intersection of design correctness and manufacturability.
What You'll Do
Own and execute full-chip DRC, LVS, ESD, and antenna signoff using Calibre, ICV, or Pegasus
Develop, maintain, and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoC and 3D IC designs
Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM) — translate rule updates into verified flow changes
Debug and resolve complex DRC/LVS violations across hierarchical full-chip designs
Perform ESD verification — validate protection strategies, current paths, and CDM/HBM compliance
Drive tapeout readiness by coordinating signoff across block and top-level design teams
Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities and waiver requests
Leverage AI agents to automate rule deck validation, violation triage, and signoff reporting workflows
What You'll Bring
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience
7+ years in physical verification with full signoff ownership
Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, and ESD verification methodologies
Hands-on proficiency with Calibre, ICV (IC Validator), or Pegasus
Direct foundry DRM experience — able to read, interpret, and implement complex rule decks
Experience at advanced nodes (4nm and below)
Ability to use AI agents to drive automation across verification flows and tapeout signoff
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
$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.
, Tesla
Show more Show less
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. Tesla's AI Hardware Team is looking for experienced, highly skilled VLSI engineers who enjoy working across the logic, circuit, methodology, and physical design levels. Our physical design team is growing to tackle a wider range of projects, building on our in-house SOC design expertise. This position entails the design, construction and integration of SOCs, IP, circuits, tool flows, and methodologies into systems using advanced technologies - from definition through characterization.
Our AI Hardware engineering team is taping out complex SoCs at advanced nodes. As a Staff Physical Verification Engineer, you will own the physical verification signoff flow end-to-end — from DRC and LVS through ESD and antenna — ensuring every design meets foundry requirements before tapeout. This role sits at the critical intersection of design correctness and manufacturability.
What You'll Do
Own and execute full-chip DRC, LVS, ESD, and antenna signoff using Calibre, ICV, or Pegasus
Develop, maintain, and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoC and 3D IC designs
Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM) — translate rule updates into verified flow changes
Debug and resolve complex DRC/LVS violations across hierarchical full-chip designs
Perform ESD verification — validate protection strategies, current paths, and CDM/HBM compliance
Drive tapeout readiness by coordinating signoff across block and top-level design teams
Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities and waiver requests
Leverage AI agents to automate rule deck validation, violation triage, and signoff reporting workflows
What You'll Bring
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience
7+ years in physical verification with full signoff ownership
Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, and ESD verification methodologies
Hands-on proficiency with Calibre, ICV (IC Validator), or Pegasus
Direct foundry DRM experience — able to read, interpret, and implement complex rule decks
Experience at advanced nodes (4nm and below)
Ability to use AI agents to drive automation across verification flows and tapeout signoff
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
$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.
, Tesla
Show more Show less