New

Sr. SOC Emulation Engineer, AI Hardware

Tesla Motors, Inc.
124,000 - 402,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Jan 31, 2026
What to Expect The Tesla AI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial intelligence throughcutting-edgehardware innovation. Comprising brilliant engineers and visionaries, the team designs and develops advanced AI chips tailored to accelerate Tesla's machine learning capabilities. Their work powers the neural networks behind Full Self-Driving (FSD), andTeslahumanoid robot, Optimus, pushing the boundaries of computational efficiency and performance. By creating custom silicon and optimized architectures, the team ensures Teslaremainsa leader in AI-driven automotive and energy solutions, shaping a future where intelligent machines enhance human life. The AI Hardware team is seeking an SOC Emulation Engineer to contribute to pre-silicon emulation of block and top-level SOC. With foundational knowledge of SoC architecture and emulation methodologies-ideally with exposure to platforms like Synopsys ZeBu-you'll work closely with experienced teams to help build a metric-driven, configurable, and flexible emulation environment that speeds up validation and reveals insights early in the design process. We are open to hiring in Austin, TX and Palo Alto, CA. What You'll Do Assist team members in defining and setting up block-level and SoC-level emulation environments, with a focus on platforms like Synopsys ZeBu Contribute to architecting reusable emulation test benches, helping integrate multi-instance VIPs, sub-system models, and test suites at the SOC level Support achieving functional goals by collaborating with Design, Architecture, Design Verification, System Software, Firmware, and external IP teams to integrate and validate designs Help create goal-driven emulation plans based on specifications Assist in defining and reviewing emulation and validation test plans from team members Contribute to post-silicon validation and SoC bring-up using emulation techniques Learn and apply details of High Efficiency SoC Architecture, standard SOC peripherals and I/O (e.g., DDR, Ethernet, PCIe), DMA, memory management, multi-processor systems, Memory Controller Sub Systems, PLL, power-up, and Secure Boot schemes What You'll Bring Relevant experience, such as internships, academic projects, or roles in design verification or emulation Solid programming skills in SystemVerilog, C/C++, Python (coursework or personal projects count) Exposure to SoC integration, preferably through emulation or simulation projects Some familiarity with emulation platforms like Palladium or Synopsys ZeBu (hands-on experience is a plus, but enthusiasm to learn is key) Interest in SOC bring-up and post-silicon verification Experience or coursework with at least one of the following in an emulation or verification context: AMBA Interfaces, Ethernet, PCIe, DDR 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 $124,000 - $402,000/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.