Tesla is building humanoid robots at scale to automate unsafe, repetitive, and boring tasks. Optimus will fundamentally change how work gets done, and the embedded software that runs on it has to be exceptionally robust, efficient, and reliable.
We are looking for an Embedded Linux Engineer to develop the software that powers the Optimus platform. You will work across Linux bring-up on application processors and real-time firmware on heterogeneous compute architectures. In this role you will bring up new SoCs and carrier boards, integrate and customize vendor BSPs, develop Linux kernel modules and drivers, stand up high-speed communication interfaces, and build application-level software that enables critical robotics subsystems.
The robotics firmware team is small, agile, and fast-moving. You will work alongside deeply experienced engineers using modern tools and practices to ship production-grade embedded systems at scale.
- Develop scalable real-time embedded software and modern C++ applications, including audio DSP, display drivers, and high-speed communication drivers
- Design and implement embedded system architecture for inter-process and inter-processor communication, boot flows, and updater mechanisms across Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal domains
- Bring up new SoCs and carrier boards: integrate vendor BSPs, configure device trees, and validate peripheral functionality
- Develop Linux kernel modules, platform drivers, and board support package customizations
- Build automated testing infrastructure to ensure high-quality releases and full system functionality
- Own features through the full firmware lifecycle, development, integration, testing, and release, as the Optimus fleet scales
- Partner closely with electronics, connectivity, and compute teams to influence hardware designs and prototype new systems
- 2+ years of relevant experience in real-time embedded software development
- Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or proof of exceptional skills in related fields, with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent experience
- Experience configuring and building Linux distributions (Buildroot, Yocto, or similar); hands-on experience with kernel configuration and cross-compilation toolchains
- Experience developing Linux kernel modules and platform drivers, plus integrating vendor BSPs
- Working knowledge of SoC device trees and common peripherals/buses: I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, ADC, eMMC/SD, PCIe, USB, Ethernet (MAC/PHY/MDIO), and CAN
- Experience with Ethernet PHY bring-up, PHY drivers, MDIO, and link-layer debugging (TSN, PTP, and/or AVB exposure is a plus)
- Ability to read electrical schematics and understand basic circuit behavior
- Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience
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
$140,000 - $390,000/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.