What to Expect
The Tesla AI Hardware team stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, developing custom silicon and compute infrastructure that redefine what's possible in machine learning. Our team designs advanced AI accelerators and the datacenter systems that scale them—from Dojo, Tesla's purpose-built supercomputer, to the infrastructure that trains massive neural networks powering Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot. This hardware pushes the boundaries of computational performance and efficiency. Through relentless innovation in custom silicon and optimized architectures, we're building the foundation for AI systems that will transform transportation, robotics, and beyond.
We are seeking a Staff Systems Architect to own the end-to-end design of our custom AI compute platforms‚ from silicon integration and board-level architecture through backplane interconnects, power distribution, cooling, and complete rack-scale systems. You will drive architectural decisions at every layer of the rack: chip packaging, compute trays and sleds, midplane and backplane design, and power delivery networks‚ ensuring each layer works in harmony to maximize accelerator density, performance, and reliability for Tesla's rapidly scaling AI workloads.
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Architect complete datacenter rack systems‚ defining board and tray design, interconnect topologies, and power distribution
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Optimize board-level and rack-level interconnects for bandwidth, throughput, and signal integrity
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Collaborate with thermal and mechanical teams on cooling requirements and rack packaging constraints
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Engineer systems for reliability and serviceability, including health monitoring and diagnostics to minimize downtime and TCO
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Drive technology roadmap and next-generation rack architecture planning
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Evaluate and select components, vendors, and emerging technologies for rack integration
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Author architecture specifications and design documentation
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Optimize BOM cost while meeting performance and reliability targets
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Develop system validation and testing strategy across power, thermal, and signal integrity
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
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8+ years designing rack-scale compute platforms, server systems, or high-density hardware for AI/HPC workloads
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Hands-on experience with high-speed interconnects (PCIe Gen5/6, CXL, UAlink, NVLink, Ethernet 400G/800G) including signal integrity analysis and layout trade-offs
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Proven ability solving problems across electrical, firmware, and system-level boundaries within rack-scale platforms
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Experience with power delivery architecture for high-TDP systems
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Track record leading multidisciplinary hardware teams and partnering with silicon vendors, ODMs, and component suppliers on product development
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Experience with Open Compute Project (OCP) rack specifications and design principles
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Background working with JDM (Joint Design Manufacturing) partners on custom rack platform development
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Familiarity with latest cable and connector solutions for high-speed interconnects
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Experience with datacenter deployments at scale
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
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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 is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
