Software Engineer, Opticaster

Staff Software Engineer, Opticaster at Tesla What To Expect

Opticaster’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by optimizing how batteries are charged and discharged to maximize value for customers and the grid. Our advanced algorithms determine the best times to store and use energy, considering electricity prices, solar generation, and grid conditions. These optimizations power Tesla’s energy products, including Megapacks, Powerwalls, Virtual Power Plants, and microgrids.

With a global fleet of over 500,000 residential systems, our software operates at scale, requiring robust and efficient solutions. Opticaster also plays a key role in supporting grid stability through programs such as demand response and by integrating with Autobidder to actively participate in energy markets.

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will be instrumental in developing and maintaining the software systems that power Tesla’s residential energy solutions. You will work on creating scalable, efficient software architectures and integrating them with Tesla’s energy products. While algorithm and optimization experience is a plus, the focus will be on delivering high‑quality software that enables our energy solutions to scale effectively.

This is your opportunity to drive the future of sustainable energy by working on cutting‑edge technologies that enhance the efficiency and reliability of Tesla's energy ecosystem.

• Develop and maintain scalable software algorithms for energy storage solutions, ensuring reliable performance in production environments
• Design and implement new features to enhance customer‑facing applications and improve user experience
• Optimize deployment processes through CI/CD, containerization, and infrastructure management, ensuring smooth operations and efficient updates
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate software systems into Tesla’s ecosystem, ensuring seamless deployment and operation
• Manage containerized applications in embedded and firmware environments, optimizing resource usage and ensuring performance in constrained systems
• Proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks related to infrastructure, memory, and runtime efficiency
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of monitoring and simulation systems to ensure software reliability and scalability
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders to align development with business objectives

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Strong proficiency in Python and Linux environments; experience with Go or Rust is a plus
• Proven experience developing and deploying scalable software systems, including writing production‑level code and ensuring performance in real‑world environments
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Git Hub Actions) and automating software deployment processes
• Experience managing containerized applications in embedded or firmware environments, and optimizing resource usage (e.g., memory, CPU) for efficient performance in constrained systems
• Experience with cloud and big data technologies such as AWS, Spark, Airflow, and Kubernetes
• Familiarity with optimization techniques, machine learning, and time‑series forecasting is highly valued
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a cross‑functional team environment
• Experience in energy solutions, battery control systems, and a passion for sustainability and clean energy solutions
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to adapt to rapidly changing technology and business needs

• Medical plans with options having $0 payroll deduction
• Family‑building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans with $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…