Staff Physical Design Engineer, AI Hardware

Tesla•Palo Alto, CA

16d

About The Position

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 chips tailored to accelerate Tesla’s machine learning capabilities. Their work 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. Lead and drive large design blocks and SOCs from early design stage to tape out

Requirements

Engineering degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience
10+ years of industry work experience in VLSI/IC design
Knowledge and experience with logic design and synthesis tools and techniques
Proficient in place and route tools and approaches
Proficient in timing and electrical analysis in advanced nodes, including high-frequency design closure, IR drop, power, and reliability
Skilled with CAD tools and scripting languages (Perl or Python)
Understand cell and transistor level digital circuit design, memory and clock structures, and design methodologies
Good understanding of RTL, DFT, and microarchitecture
Good communication skills and a demonstrated team player and flexible and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in any of these areas is a plus: SOC level physical integration and validation, post-silicon characterization

Responsibilities

Floorplan and partition designs to meet area, timing, and power requirements
Construct high-speed blocks, from synthesis, place, and route, out through timing, physical, and electrical closure to meet performance, robustness, reliability, and power targets
Read RTL, understand block micro-architecture, perform RTL modifications and prove logical equivalence as needed

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