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# Embedded Software Engineer, Hands, Optimus

- **Company:** Tesla, Inc.
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $140,000.0 - $360,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Automation of Tests, Computer Engineering, Programming Tools, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Multiprocessing, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, PIC Microcontroller, Peripherals, Information Technology
- **Published:** October 23, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=2c4153183c93f665

## About the Role

* 2+ years of relevant experience in real-time embedded software development
 * Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or proof of exceptional skills in related fields, with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent experience
 * Strong C and C++ skills required; familiarity with Python is a plus
 * Working knowledge of microcontroller peripherals and buses: SPI, I2C, ADC, PWM, CAN, Ethernet, and UART
 * Experience with sensors and digital signal processing, and familiarity with RTOS
 * Experience reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior
 * Experience with multi-core embedded systems is a plus
 * Experience with actuator or motor control, including closed-loop coordination of multiple axes, is a plus
 * Experience bringing up tactile, force, or other contact-sensing hardware is a plus

## Description

We are looking for firmware engineers to develop embedded software for fingers, hand and forearm. You will architect and bring up sensors, motor drivers, communication buses required to move fingers, wrist and feel the world using tactile sensing. You will integrate that hand subsystem onto the rest of the robot and build the diagnostics and tests required for telemetry in fleet, manufacturing and service.

The robotics firmware team is small, passionate, and fast-moving. Come join a team of deeply knowledgeable engineers that strive to build the most robust and reliable embedded systems using cutting-edge software development tools and practices.
What You'll Do

 * Development of scalable real-time embedded software for low-latency actuator control, tactile and position sensing, hand diagnostics, and safety management
 * Bring-up of sensors, actuator interfaces, communication networks, and new boards for finger, hand and forearm
 * Development of fault detection and diagnostics that influence robot-level fault behavior
 * Build calibration and diagnostic routines for manufacturing and robot fleet to improve hand control and catch failures
 * Support development and integration of human data collection systems
 * Development of automated testing to ensure high-quality software releases and complete functionality
 * Be involved in the full life cycle of firmware development from concept through integration, test, and release as our fleet of robots grows
 * Collaborate closely with hand designers, manufacturing, actuator, tactile sensing, and RL controls teams to specify actuation and sensing requirements, influence electronics designs, and unlock system-level hand performance