Sr. Software Engineer, Backend, Optimus

Tesla Motors, Inc.
132,000 - 330,000 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, California, Palo Alto
Jul 29, 2025
What to Expect As a member of the Optimus tooling team you will build the backend services and web tools that accelerate our humanoid robotics program. You'll help create the websites used by our AI engineers and operators to control our growing fleet of Optimus robots. You'll improve our real-time and offline analysis tools which provide a 3D view of the surrounding environment. You'll develop the platform used by our AI team for labeling data and running real-world evaluations. A strong candidate is exceptionally strong in architecting and engineering internal tools that serve our AI and operation customers. We're a flat org where engineers are expected to be their own PMs who communicate effectively and drive projects to completion themselves. You'll take ownership over large features and proactively work to build the right tools that improve their workflows. You're able to rapidly develop highly reliable, extensible code that multiplies the productivity of our team. What You'll Do Design and implement robust, scalable tools, tests, metrics, and dashboards for the Optimus program Engineer highly reliable, performant and secure services and web-based tools for data visualization, labeling, evals, and Optimus real-time control Work closely with backend engineers to seamlessly integrate with frontend systems Work closely with AI researchers to build efficient systems that accelerate their workflows What You'll Bring Be a self-starter, who takes ownership over entire projects end to end and solves cross-functional challenging problems with limited guidance Strong knowledge of at least one programming language related to data engineering, such as Python or Scala is required Experience with scientific computing libraries such as numpy and pandas is a plus Ability to leverage the latest AI coding tools 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: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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 Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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 $132,000 - $330,000/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.