As Tesla moves to start up its own artificial intelligence (AI) chip "terafab (fab·semiconductor production facility)," concerns are rising in Taiwan that key talent could leak from TSMC as Tesla begins recruiting there. Because Tesla aims to run sub-3-nanometer (nm·one-billionth of a meter) advanced processes at the terafab, it is seen as sending love calls to attract talent from TSMC, the world's largest foundry (contract semiconductor manufacturing) corporations. Earlier, Tesla also moved to secure semiconductor talent in Korea.
On the 24th, according to Tesla, the company recently posted a job notice in Taiwan to recruit semiconductor talent. In the posting, Tesla said it is hiring engineers with more than 10 years of experience at major corporations such as TSMC. In particular, it specified it is hiring engineers with capabilities in Gate-All-Around (GAA) and FinFET, which are mainly used in advanced processes, as well as backside power delivery network (BSPDN) technology.
Previously, Musk, Tesla's chief executive officer, said, "If we do not build a terafab, we cannot secure chips, and we need chips, so we are building a terafab." Tesla and SpaceX will jointly operate the terafab, and the fab plans to produce dedicated chips that support 1 terawatt (TW) of power for the two companies to use. The terafab is expected to produce semiconductors to be installed in cars, robotaxis, and the Optimus robot, as well as space-grade high-power chips designed for SpaceX and xAI to use in space data centers and elsewhere.
Tesla appears to be signaling its intent to secure core foundry talent in Taiwan to fully ramp up the terafab. According to Tesla's job posting, hires will handle everything from new product development to improving Production yield, process analysis and optimization, wafer testing, reliability forecasting, and product certification. These are considered the most critical roles in the foundry business.
In Taiwan, there is concern that Tesla's aggressive push could trigger a talent outflow. With AI industry growth concentrating advanced AI chip orders at TSMC, the company is rapidly expanding capacity, making it more important than ever to secure experienced talent. The Economic Daily News in Taiwan said, "Tesla is showing a massive push to recruit semiconductor talent in Taiwan and is trying to poach TSMC employees," adding, "Industry insiders are worried about a shortage of semiconductor talent in Taiwan."
Tesla is also ramping up talent acquisition in Korea. CEO Musk posted on social media, "If you live in Korea and want to work in chip design, fab, or AI software, apply to Tesla."
A semiconductor industry official said, "Countries with concentrated advanced foundry capabilities to run a terafab are Taiwan and Korea," adding, "From Tesla's standpoint, to run in-house AI chips on advanced processes, it has no choice but to recruit engineers in Taiwan and Korea. Efforts to hire talent from TSMC and Samsung Foundry will accelerate going forward."