AI Engineer, Manipulation, Optimus
What to Expect
Tesla AI is solving robust embodied intelligence through humanoid robots. Core to this is the manipulation stack, which presents a unique opportunity to work on state-of-the-art algorithms for object manipulation culminating in their deployment to real world production applications. Our robotic manipulation software engineers develop and own this stack from inception to deployment. Most importantly, you will see your work repeatedly shipped to and utilized by thousands of Humanoid Robots in real world applications.
What You'll Do
- Design and develop our learned robotic manipulation software stack and algorithms
- Develop robotic manipulation capabilities including but not limited to (re)grasping, pick-and-place, and more dexterous behaviors to enable useful work in both structured and unstructured environments
- Model robotic manipulation processes to enable analysis, simulation, planning, and controls
- Reason about uncertainty due to measurements and physical interaction with the environment, and develop algorithms that adapt well to imperfect information
- Assist with overall software architecture design, including designing interfaces between subsystems
- Ship production quality, safety-critical software
- Collaborate with a team of exceptional individuals laser focused on bringing useful bi-ped humanoid robots into the real world
What You'll Bring
- Production quality modern C++ or Python
- Experience in deep imitation learning or reinforcement learning in realistic applications
- Exposure to robotics learning through tactile and/or vision-based sensors
- Experience writing both production-level Python (including Numpy and Pytorch) and modern C++
- Proven track record of training and deploying real world neural networks
- Familiarity with 3D computer vision and/or graphics pipelines
- Experience with Natural Language Processing
- Experience with distributed deep learning systems
- Prior work in Robotics, State estimation, Visual Odometry, SLAM, Structure from Motion, 3D Reconstruction
Accelerating the World's Transition to Sustainable Energy
Tesla is building a sustainable future powered by solar energy, running on batteries, and transported by electric vehicles. We design sustainable systems that are massively scalable, resulting in the greatest environmental benefit possible. Our energy generation and storage products work together with our electric vehicles to amplify their impact.
We operate six vertically integrated factories across three continents with over 100,000 employees. Our teams design, build, sell, and service our products in-house. Using a first-principles approach, we solve some of the world's biggest problems. From electric vehicles that are among the safest in the world to solar solutions and energy storage systems, we're committed to accelerating the sustainable energy revolution.
April 9, 2026
5-7 business days
After submission
- •Role explicitly requires training and deploying neural networks, distributed deep learning, and production-quality software — strong tool proficiency signal.
- •Responsibilities focus on deploying learned manipulation algorithms to thousands of real-world robots, demonstrating deep workflow integration and operationalization of AI.
- •Job includes strategic tasks (software architecture, subsystem interfaces, safety-critical deployment) indicating applied AI to achieve business goals.
This senior AI/Robotics role at Tesla scores well on compensation, impact, and technical challenge. It offers strong esteem signals (ownership, visible product impact) and meaningful high‑level purpose (real-world humanoid deployment). Lower-level details (explicit benefits, precise job stability language, flexible work arrangements, and concrete career progression) are less explicit and should be clarified during interviews. The posting expects a very wide set of technical skills, which could make fit/expectations unclear.
- •Broad and demanding skillset requested (C++, Python, deep imitation learning or RL, tactile/vision sensors, 3D vision/graphics, NLP, distributed deep learning) — may be unrealistic to expect deep expertise across all domains for a single hire.
- •On-site-only requirement with no explicit information about flexibility, typical hours, or work-life balance.
- •No explicit benefits, retirement/401(k) details, or relocation/visa support mentioned — candidates must clarify total rewards and mobility support.
- •Clear and very competitive salary band ($140k–$420k).
- •Strong ownership and impact signals: 'develop and own this stack from inception to deployment' and 'utilized by thousands of Humanoid Robots'.
- •Cutting-edge, high‑impact technical work (robotic manipulation, RL/imitation, production deployment).
- •What are the top priorities and measurable success criteria for this role in the first 3–6 months (specific projects, KPIs, or deliverables)?
- •Can you describe the immediate team structure and reporting line for this role (team size, cross-functional partners such as controls, perception, safety, and who this role reports to)?
- •What are the expectations around on-site presence, typical working hours, and company support for relocation or visa sponsorship if needed?
Location
Salary Range
$140k - $420k
Employment Type
Full-time
Experience Level
Senior
Posted
January 9, 2026 (2 weeks ago)
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