Machine Learning Performance Engineer, AI Hardware

Join Tesla's AI Hardware team to pioneer the next generation of AI accelerators and compute architectures for autonomous vehicles. In this role, you will focus on performance modeling, architectural exploration, and hardware-software co-design to optimize Tesla's custom machine learning silicon. The ideal candidate is an experienced hardware performance engineer, with strong understanding of ML applications, and is comfortable working rapidly in a small-team environment.

• Develop performance models and simulation tools to evaluate hardware architectures for machine learning workloads
• Analyze and optimize neural network performance on current and next-gen AI accelerators
• Collaborate with hardware architects and software teams to identify bottlenecks, propose architectural improvements, and validate design trade-offs
• Create benchmarking frameworks to assess performance, power, and latency of ML workloads
• Conduct pre- and post-silicon performance analysis to correlate models with real-world hardware behavior
• Drive hardware-software co-optimization by translating neural network trends into architectural requirements
• Document and communicate findings to cross-functional teams to guide future hardware roadmaps

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability
• Previous industry/research experience in performance modeling, hardware architecture, or ML acceleration
• Strong understanding of AI accelerators, GPU/CPU architectures, memory hierarchies, and parallel computing
• Proficiency in Python/C++ for modeling, analysis, and automation; familiarity with ML frameworks
• Knowledge of neural network architectures and their computational demands
• Proven ability to work with hardware/software teams to translate algorithmic needs into hardware features
• Clear documentation and presentation skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Knowledge of compiler optimizations or ML graph lowering is a plus

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

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.