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Tesla Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What to Expect We're hiring a driven Software Engineer to design and build end-to-end applications for the People organization at Tesla. This role would collaborate with a diverse range of ...

Sr. Software Engineer, Supercomputing

Austin, TX · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer to join our team and contribute to the ... Tesla Babies program * Commuter benefits * Employee discounts and perks program

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Tesla Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do tesla software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for tesla software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tesla Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with development tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms, as well as experience with automotive or embedded systems, is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for handling Tesla's fast-paced and innovative environment. These skills are essential to deliver reliable, high-performance software solutions that support Tesla's mission of accelerating sustainable energy.

What does a Tesla Software Engineer do?

A Tesla Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the software that powers Tesla’s vehicles, energy products, and internal systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from embedded systems in cars to cloud-based applications and user interfaces. Software Engineers at Tesla collaborate closely with hardware engineers, designers, and other teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance performance, safety, and user experience. The role often involves solving complex technical challenges and contributing to Tesla’s mission of accelerating sustainable energy.

How much do Tesla software engineers make?

Tesla software engineers typically earn an average salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and benefits, with senior positions earning higher salaries. Skills in programming languages like Python, C++, and experience with embedded systems or autonomous vehicle software can influence salary levels.

Is it difficult to get hired at Tesla?

Getting hired as a Tesla software engineer can be competitive due to the company's high standards for technical skills, problem-solving ability, and relevant experience. Candidates often need a strong background in software development, proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++, and experience with embedded systems or automotive software. The hiring process typically involves multiple interviews and technical assessments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those with specialized skills in areas like AI, machine learning, or systems architecture, can earn $500,000 or more annually at large tech companies. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and reaching this level typically requires extensive experience and advanced technical expertise.

What types of projects do Tesla Software Engineers typically work on, and how is the work prioritized within the team?

Tesla Software Engineers often work on high-impact projects ranging from vehicle firmware and automation systems to energy management platforms and user-facing applications. Project priorities are determined based on business needs, product timelines, and cross-functional collaboration with hardware, design, and QA teams. Engineers are encouraged to take ownership of features, participate in design discussions, and contribute to rapid prototyping. The fast-paced environment means work is often iterative, with frequent feedback and opportunities to make significant contributions to Tesla’s innovative products.

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 Python or C++, experience with embedded systems, and a background in software development. Tesla regularly posts job openings on its careers website and values innovation and technical expertise.
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Infographic showing various Tesla Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Rendering Engineer, Infotainment, Vehicle Software

Rendering Engineer, Infotainment, Vehicle Software

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA

$120K - $396K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 663 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers


Job description

What to Expect

Tesla is expanding its Infotainment Applications software engineering team responsible for building in-car user interfaces, autopilot visualization, entertainment (media streaming and video games), productivity applications (phone, calendar, browser), and our mobile application. This team's work is front and center of Tesla's vehicle fleet, with millions of customers around the world experiencing and interacting with their software as the primary interface to the vehicle. We are looking for highly motivated graphics software engineers to continue creating, developing, and evolving Tesla's in-vehicle customer experiences. Come help us take our products to the next level to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

What You'll Do
  • Design and implement real-time rendering techniques

  • Write GLSL shaders to create state-of-the-art visuals

  • Design, code, and debug 2D and 3D UI interfaces and architectures

  • Diagnose and fix GPU and CPU performance issues related to memory/disk footprint, frame rate, and network bandwidth

  • Work with a cross-functional team of hardware engineers, application/UI software engineers, QA/Validation, and designers


What You'll Bring
  • Proficient in C and C++

  • Proficient in lighting models, anti-aliasing techniques, post-processing, and shaders

  • Proficient in OpenGL and OpenGLES 2 and 3. Experience with other rendering API's, such as Vulkan and Direct3D, is a plus

  • Good understanding of 3D mathematics and linear algebra

  • Experience writing and shipping real-time graphics code

  • Good understanding of the full rendering pipeline, from loading data from disk to displaying pixels on the screen. Experience with game engines (Godot, Unity, Unreal) is a plus

  • High standards for code quality, maintainability, and performance

  • Ability to quickly understand internally and externally developed code

  • Strong CPU and GPU debugging and optimization skills


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 $120,000 - $396,000/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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