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Tesla Physics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tesla

Space Radiation Engineer, AI Hardware

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$160K - $414K/yr

Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field, or ... Tesla Babies program * Commuter benefits * Employee discounts and perks program Expected ...

Nudge

MR Physicist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Build, validate, and deploy your applications on our state-of-the-art 3 Tesla Siemens Cima.X ... Strong engineering / physics first principles * An exceptional track record of building novel MRI ...

nudge

MR Physicist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Build, validate, and deploy your applications on our state-of-the-art 3 Tesla Siemens Cima.X ... Strong engineering / physics first principles * An exceptional track record of building novel MRI ...

Peak Energy

Staff Reliability Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

... Tesla, Northvolt, Apple, Powin, Enovix, Zipline, Solid Power, and Fluence. We are backed by ... Develop physics-of-failure lifetime models and close the loop by performing failure root cause ...

Peak Energy

Staff Reliability Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $152K/yr

... Tesla, Northvolt, Apple, Powin, Enovix, Zipline, Solid Power, and Fluence. We are backed by ... Develop physics-of-failure lifetime models and close the loop by performing failure root cause ...

Peak Energy

Staff Reliability Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$115K - $145K/yr

... Tesla, Northvolt, Apple, Powin, Enovix, Zipline, Solid Power, and Fluence. We are backed by ... Develop physics-of-failure lifetime models and close the loop by performing failure root cause ...

Peak Energy

Staff Reliability Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

... Tesla, Northvolt, Apple, Powin, Enovix, Zipline, Solid Power, and Fluence. We are backed by ... Develop physics-of-failure lifetime models and close the loop by performing failure root cause ...

Maritime Fusion

R&D Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Our founding team brings a unique blend of hands-on engineering experience from Tesla and SpaceX, combined with deep academic expertise in plasma physics and fusion energy technology from academia ...

Cape Fox SS

MRI Technologist

Camp Pendleton, CA

$55.93/hr

... Physicist. Perform post-processing steps to acquired images and data as specified by the study ... or 3.0 Tesla Magnet Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the ...

Specter

Senior Antenna Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

We are a small, fast growing team who hail from Anduril, Amazon, Tesla, Uber, and the U.S. Special ... Bachelor's or higher in electrical engineering, applied physics, or electromagnetics. * 5+ years ...

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All JobsTesla Physics JobsTesla Physics Jobs in California

Tesla Physics information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$60.4K

$93.3K

How much do tesla physics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for tesla physics in California is $60,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $63,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Tesla physicist do?

A Tesla physicist typically focuses on research and development in areas such as electromagnetism, energy storage, materials science, and applied physics to support Tesla's innovations in electric vehicles, battery technology, and renewable energy solutions. They use advanced physics principles to solve technical challenges, improve product efficiency, and develop new technologies. Their work may involve theoretical analysis, simulation, experimental testing, and collaboration with engineers and other scientists. Tesla physicists play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a physicist at Tesla?

To thrive as a Physicist at Tesla, you generally need an advanced degree in physics or a related field, strong analytical skills, and experience with experimental or applied physics methods. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or MATLAB), data analysis tools, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are soft skills that set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for driving innovation, solving complex engineering challenges, and contributing to Tesla’s mission of advancing sustainable technology.

What types of projects do physicists typically work on at Tesla, and how do they collaborate with engineering teams?

Physicists at Tesla are often involved in projects that require deep understanding of materials science, energy systems, and advanced simulation techniques. They collaborate closely with engineers to develop and refine technologies for batteries, electric powertrains, and manufacturing processes. This collaboration usually involves regular cross-functional meetings, shared research initiatives, and hands-on experimentation to solve complex technical challenges. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-driven, providing opportunities for physicists to contribute their expertise while learning from multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Tesla Physics vs Tesla Engineer?

AspectTesla PhysicsTesla Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, research experienceEngineering degree, technical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product development
Industry UsageFocus on fundamental research and physics principlesDesign, testing, and implementation of Tesla products

Tesla Physics roles primarily involve research and understanding fundamental physical principles, often requiring advanced degrees in physics. Tesla Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to develop and improve Tesla's products, working closely with manufacturing and design teams. While both roles are integral to Tesla's innovation, Tesla Physics is more research-oriented, whereas Tesla Engineers are more product-focused.

What are popular job titles related to Tesla Physics jobs in California?

For Tesla Physics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tesla Physics jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tesla Physics jobs in California are:

Tesla Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tesla Physics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,359 per year, or $29 per hour.

Space Radiation Engineer, AI Hardware

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$160K - $414K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 689 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 45 rated automakers

Job description

What to Expect

We are building the future of computing in partnering with SpaceX - a distributed, AI-optimized data center infrastructure operating in space. The terawatts orbital AI data center will be powered by Dojo - our custom supercomputer designed for the neural networks behind SpaceX, xAI, FSD, and Optimus.

As a Space Radiation Engineer, you will be the primary technical authority on ensuring high-performance AI accelerators (TPUs/GPUs), storage, and networking hardware can withstand the harsh space environment. You will lead the effort to transition from conventional hardware hardening to advanced architectural resilience, ensuring our data center scales safely while providing low-latency compute to terrestrial users.

What You'll Do
  • Radiation Environment Modeling:Analyze and predict space radiation environments (trapped particles, solar events, galactic cosmic rays) for targeted orbital altitudes (LEO/MEO)
  • AI Hardware Hardening:Develop shielding and mitigation strategies for cutting-edge AI accelerators to ensure Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Displacement Damage Dose (DDD), and Single Event Effect (SEE) tolerance
  • Radiation Testing Campaigns:Plan and execute radiation testing campaigns (heavy-ion and proton beam) at national laboratories to characterize component sensitivity
  • Architectural Resilience:Collaborate with computer architects to design software-defined fault tolerance, error detection, and correction techniques (ECC) to handle Single Event Upsets (SEUs)
  • Simulation & Analysis:Use computational tools (e.g., GEANT4, MCNPX, NOVICE, SpaceRad, CREME) to model radiation transport through spacecraft shielding
  • Root-Cause Analysis:Investigate radiation-induced anomalies and failures during simulation and testing, providing actionable design modifications
  • Documentation & Standards:Establish radiation hardness assurance (RHA) plans and requirements for high-density, multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs)

What You'll Bring
  • Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience in space radiation effects analysis, modeling, and testing
  • Proven experience with space radiation tools such as CREME96, SPENVIS, FASTRAD, or NOVICE
  • Deep understanding of semiconductor physics and radiation impacts on microelectronics (ASICs, FPGAs, CPUs)
  • Strong written and verbal skills to present risk assessments to project stakeholders

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 $160,000 - $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.

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