Camera Software Engineer, AI Platforms

As an Autonomy Camera Software Engineer, you will work at the intersection of embedded systems, computer vision, and AI to drive the development of Tesla's imaging pipeline. Your primary focus will be to optimize camera software and overall system performance to deliver world-class image quality, critical for both neural network perception and human-facing displays.
In this highly collaborative role, you'll partner closely with hardware, computer vision, UI/UX, and system software teams to ensure Tesla's camera systems provide the most accurate and useful representation of the world. Your code will interface directly with image sensors, ISPs (Image Signal Processors), codecs, telemetry systems, and AI models, all executing on the Tesla AI compute platform.
You'll play a key role in developing and refining software that enhances image quality and system efficiency. This includes building tools to benchmark and characterize 3A (auto-exposure, auto-white balance, autofocus) and ISP configurations, and rigorously evaluating camera software frameworks to ensure performance, stability, and reliability. Your work will directly impact Tesla's mission to build fully autonomous vehicles and advanced robotics platforms like Optimus, where delivering a precise visual understanding of the world is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop, debug, and maintain high performance C/C++ software for Tesla's Autopilot and Humanoid Robot platforms, including work on high framerate camera and vision pipelines, GPU kernel development, system level performance profiling, and video codec optimization for large scale data collection
• Design and refine advanced camera control systems and image processing algorithms to maximize visual fidelity and system responsiveness
• Implement diagnostic algorithms that monitor camera and optical performance over time, integrating outputs with service tools and user facing interfaces to ensure long term reliability
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on new features using simulation environments, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and fleet scale data insights
• Define technical requirements and collaborate with cross functional teams, including manufacturing, vehicle systems, and service, to continuously improve optical performance, calibration robustness, and overall system reliability

Requirements

• Proficient in developing C/C++ software, including modern standards (C++14/17/20), multithreading, and Python; experience with CUDA or OpenCL is a strong plus
• Deep understanding of digital camera systems, including color filter arrays, exposure control, sensor timing, driver development, and in-sensor HDR techniques; hands on experience with image sensor bring-up is highly valuable
• Familiarity with ISP (Image Signal Processor) pipelines, low level drivers, and tuning workflows to optimize image quality across diverse conditions
• Working knowledge of computer vision, machine learning, and their practical implementation in perception driven systems
• Strong foundation in embedded software design with a focus on performance, using object oriented C++ to build reliable, low latency systems
• Skilled in Linux based development environments, with experience targeting embedded Linux platforms and cross-compilation toolchains considered a plus

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 - $390,000/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.