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Tesla Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tesla

Camera Software Engineer, Tesla AI

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$140K - $360K/yr

Rapidly prototype and iterate on new features using simulation environments, hardware-in-the-loop ... Tesla Babies program * Commuter benefits * Employee discounts and perks program Expected ...

Tesla

ML Modeling Engineer, AI Hardware

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$176K - $420K/yr

What to Expect The Tesla AI Hardware team is at the forefront of revolutionizing artificial ... Demonstrated experience in performance analysis, including the use of simulation frameworks and ...

Tesla

Supply Chain Data Analyst

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Tesla is a leading company in the automotive and energy sectors, and they are seeking a Supply ... Required : • Degree in quantitative field (e.g., Engineering, Supply Chain, Computer Science ...

Kaav Inc

Full stack sw engineer role

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... tesla, honda, mercedes etc Contract - 3 year Experience Need 10 years Automotive Full-stack SW ... Experience developing graphical interface and 3D simulation using Unity/OpenGL/Qt. Strong ...

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All JobsTesla Simulation Engineer Jobs

Tesla Simulation Engineer information

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$39K

$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do tesla simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for tesla simulation engineer in the United States is $123,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tesla Simulation Engineer vs Tesla Test Engineer?

AspectTesla Simulation EngineerTesla Test Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and validating vehicle simulations and modelsPerforming physical testing and validation of vehicles and components
Required SkillsProgramming, modeling, simulation tools, automotive systemsTesting procedures, data analysis, hardware interaction
Work EnvironmentSoftware labs, virtual testing environmentsVehicle testing grounds, labs, physical testing facilities
Common CertificationsAutomotive engineering, simulation software certificationsQuality assurance, testing certifications

While both roles support Tesla's vehicle development, Tesla Simulation Engineers focus on virtual models and simulations to predict vehicle behavior, whereas Tesla Test Engineers conduct physical tests to validate vehicle performance. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their methods and tools used.

What does a Tesla Simulation Engineer do?

A Tesla Simulation Engineer is responsible for developing and running computer models to simulate the performance, safety, and efficiency of Tesla’s products, such as electric vehicles, batteries, and energy systems. They use specialized software to predict how designs will respond to real-world conditions, helping to identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. This work is crucial for optimizing designs, reducing development costs, and ensuring high-quality, innovative products reach the market quickly.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or electrical engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and engineering companies.

How much does a simulation engineer make at Tesla?

A Tesla simulation engineer typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and education. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and benefits, with senior roles earning higher salaries. Skills in automotive simulation tools and programming are often required for higher-paying positions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or electrical engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. In companies like Tesla, senior simulation engineers or those in executive technical positions may reach this compensation level, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.

How does a Tesla Simulation Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a vehicle development project?

As a Tesla Simulation Engineer, you will frequently work alongside design, hardware, and software engineering teams to develop and validate vehicle models and system simulations. Your role involves translating real-world requirements into digital models, running simulations to identify potential issues, and communicating findings to inform design decisions. Effective collaboration and clear communication are essential, as your simulation results often guide design iterations and testing priorities. This environment encourages proactive engagement and continuous learning from experts across the organization.

Is it difficult to get hired at Tesla?

Tesla Simulation Engineers typically face a competitive hiring process that includes technical assessments, interviews, and evaluation of relevant skills such as programming, simulation tools, and engineering knowledge. Strong educational background, relevant experience, and proficiency in software like MATLAB or Python can improve chances of being hired. The process often involves multiple interview rounds and technical evaluations to assess problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tesla Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tesla Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, computational modeling, and advanced mathematics, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering fields. Expertise with simulation software such as ANSYS, MATLAB, Simulink, and familiarity with CAD tools or programming languages like Python or C++ is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities enable engineers to develop accurate simulations, collaborate across teams, and drive innovation in Tesla's advanced vehicle and energy technologies.
Infographic showing various Tesla Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 52% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,399 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Machine Learning Infrastructure Simulation Engineer, Optimus

Machine Learning Infrastructure Simulation Engineer, Optimus

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$140K - $390K/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 665 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers

Job description

What to Expect The Optimus Simulation team is at the forefront of advancing humanoid robotics by building a high-fidelity virtual world where Optimus can safely learn, adapt, and improve. Our mission is to recreate the complexities of the real world in simulation, enabling scalable testing, rapid iteration, and accelerated development of the Optimus autonomy stack. We design and deploy cutting-edge simulation systems that blend accurate physics modeling, photorealistic rendering, and intelligent virtual agents, creating environments that challenge Optimus in the same way the physical world would. These simulations allow us to rigorously evaluate behavior, uncover edge cases, and drive continuous improvements in autonomy and decision-making.
As a member of this team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanoid robotics. Your contributions will directly accelerate Optimus' ability to operate effectively in real-world environments by closing the gap between simulation and reality. We are looking for passionate engineers with expertise in distributed systems, ML infrastructure, and graphics/game development who are excited to build scalable RL infrastructure for training robots, pushing the boundaries of large-scale simulation, efficient training pipelines, and high-performance virtual environments.
What You'll Do
  • Design, implement, and optimize scalable Simulation and RL infrastructure for training humanoid robots in simulated environments, leveraging distributed systems for parallel processing and high-throughput simulations
  • Optimize performance across the simulation stack, including distributed systems, Inference, and rendering, to ensure optimal usage of hardware resources and fast, efficient simulations
  • Drive innovation in sim-to-real strategies using simulation technologies and distributed computing to ensure Optimus performs reliably across both virtual and real-world environments
  • Deliver high-quality, production-ready code in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
What You'll Bring
  • Hands-on experience building and scaling distributed systems for large-scale computations
  • Strong background in ML infrastructure, including designing training pipelines, data orchestration, and deployment of RL models at scale
  • Proficiency in GPU optimizations for either inference or rendering
  • Proficiency in Python, with familairty in frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or RL libraries (e.g., Stable Baselines, RLlib), and a proven ability to write clean, scalable, and efficient code
  • Ability to research, implement, and adapt cutting-edge techniques from academic and industry sources into practical, production-ready solutions for scalable RL in simulation

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 $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.

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