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Tesla Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tesla

Software Engineer, Optimus

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Tesla is seeking a Software Engineer to join their Manufacturing Test and Engineering software team, contributing to the acceleration of sustainable energy. In this role, you will develop software ...

Tesla

Software Engineer, Factory Software

Austin, TX · On-site

Tesla's Factory Software team builds the systems that keep our factories running, focusing on equipment management, maintenance operations, and real-time IoT. The Software Engineer will own features ...

Tesla

Data Engineer, Robotaxi Operations

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

Tesla is building the operational data layer for its autonomous fleet through its Robotaxi ... fundamentals in software engineering -- version control, testing, CI/CD • Ability to work ...

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Tesla Software Developer information

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$48K

$111.8K

$166K

How much do tesla software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for tesla software developer in the United States is $111,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does Tesla hire software engineers?

Yes, Tesla hires software engineers for roles involving vehicle software, energy products, and autonomous driving systems. Candidates typically need programming skills in languages like C++, Python, or Java, and experience with embedded systems or machine learning is often preferred.

What does a Tesla Software Developer do?

A Tesla Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems that power Tesla's vehicles, energy products, and internal tools. They work across a range of platforms, including embedded systems in cars, cloud services, automation tools, and mobile applications. Their work involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that enhance Tesla's products and user experience, while ensuring reliability and performance. Software Developers at Tesla often use programming languages like Python, C++, and JavaScript, and are expected to solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Tesla Software Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Python, C++, and Java, as well as a solid understanding of software engineering principles and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as Git, Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and experience working with embedded systems or automotive software platforms is highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork skills help you excel in Tesla's fast-paced, innovative environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing reliable, scalable software solutions that advance Tesla’s technology and maintain its competitive edge.

Can you make $500,000 as a Software Engineer?

Tesla Software Developers can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially at senior levels or with significant experience. High compensation often requires advanced skills, strong performance, and stock grants that align with company growth. Such earnings are more common in senior roles or those with specialized expertise in areas like AI or autonomous systems.

Is it hard to get hired by Tesla?

Tesla Software Developer positions are competitive and typically require strong programming skills, experience with relevant technologies, and a solid understanding of software development principles. Candidates often go through multiple interview rounds, including technical assessments and behavioral interviews, to demonstrate their qualifications.

What is the difference between Tesla Software Developer vs Tesla Firmware Engineer?

AspectTesla Software DeveloperTesla Firmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, programming skills in Python, C++, JavaBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, embedded systems, C/C++ expertise
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, office or remoteEmbedded systems, hardware integration, lab or manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive software, vehicle control, UI/UXVehicle hardware, embedded systems, electronic control units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Tesla Software Developer primarily focuses on developing software applications, vehicle interfaces, and backend systems using high-level programming languages. In contrast, the Tesla Firmware Engineer specializes in embedded firmware for vehicle hardware components, working closely with electronic systems. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their focus on software layers and hardware integration within Tesla's automotive environment.

How does a Tesla Software Developer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?

As a Tesla Software Developer, you’ll regularly work alongside engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver cutting-edge automotive and energy solutions. Collaboration often involves participating in agile sprints, daily stand-up meetings, and code reviews to ensure seamless integration of software with hardware systems. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as developers frequently coordinate with hardware teams to address system constraints and deliver reliable, scalable software. This environment fosters continuous learning and offers exposure to a broad range of technologies and problem-solving scenarios.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those with expertise in high-demand areas like AI, machine learning, or cloud infrastructure, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Such compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.
More about Tesla Software Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Tesla Software Developer jobs? Cities with the most Tesla Software Developer job openings:
What states have the most Tesla Software Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Tesla Software Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tesla Software Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tesla Software Developer jobs are:
Tesla Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tesla Software Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,845 per year, or $53.8 per hour.
Software Engineer, Optimus

Software Engineer, Optimus

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers

Job description

Job Summary:
Tesla is seeking a Software Engineer to join their Manufacturing Test and Engineering software team, contributing to the acceleration of sustainable energy. In this role, you will develop software for test equipment, ensuring product functionality and collaborating with various engineering disciplines.
Responsibilities:
• Work in a fast-paced environment where you will have the opportunity to exercise your creative thinking skills to solve complex problems
• Play a key role in all aspects of product design and validation, going beyond software development to make a meaningful impact on the company’s success
• Write software in Go, LabVIEW, and/or Python to thoroughly validate Tesla products on a manufacturing line, communicating with various hardware devices such as data acquisition systems, mechanical actuators, PLCs, and Tesla products over CAN, UDS, etc.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines to design test equipment that validate product functionality, optimizing accuracy, cost, cycle time, and other performance indicators
• Develop software that enables our test equipment to be easily maintainable by 24/7 production teams, and drive continuous improvements to your software
• Bring ideas and work on projects that advance our software tech stack to world-class capabilities
• Travel to different facilities across the US and the world to deploy your work
Qualifications:
Required:
• Fluency in at least one object-oriented programming language
• Familiarity with hardware connection protocols (e.g., CAN, UDS, gRPC, Modbus/TCP, TCP/IP, OPCUA, etc.)
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and/or with physical hardware devices
• Experience working with Windows and Linux OS
• Familiarity with devops and CI/CD tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Jenkins, and GitHub actions)
• Familiarity with data pipeline/data visualization tools (e.g., Telegraf, Kafka, and Grafana)
• Familiarity with cloud development tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, and Vault)
• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, similar degree, or equivalent experience
Company:
Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that provides electric cars, solar, and renewable energy solutions. Founded in 2003, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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