[News] Samsung Reportedly Speeds Up U.S. Hiring as Tesla Prepares for AI5 Production

With major orders secured, Samsung is accelerating preparations for seamless U.S. production. According to Sedaily, the company’s Device Solutions Americas division is hiring veteran engineers for its Customer Engineering (CE) team to resolve complex foundry challenges, stabilize yields, and ensure smooth production of Tesla’s next-generation AI5 chips.

The senior CE role requires at least 15 years of experience for bachelor’s holders or 10 years for PhDs and will act as an on-site troubleshooter, optimizing processes and resolving technical issues just before mass production, the report explains. As the report highlights, this follows a September hire for a Technical Enablement (TE) role, which adapted fabless designs for the production line.

The hiring push, according to Sedaily, signals that Tesla’s AI5 chip program is entering its final stage at Samsung. Notably, the bell reported in late October that though Samsung and TSMC have both won AI5 orders from Tesla, the technologies they’re applying differ. TSMC is expected to use its 3nm process, while Samsung Electronics will adopt its 2nm as a litmus test for the process, as per the bell.

Industry sources cited by Sedaily estimate Samsung’s 2nm yields at around 55–60%, while Aju Business Daily adds that its 4nm process has now stabilized in the 60–70% range.

As per Sedaily, as of the end of Q3, construction for the Taylor fab was 93.6% complete, with full completion slated for July 2026. As Global Economic previously reported, Samsung has reaffirmed that its $17 billion Taylor, Texas semiconductor plant will enter full operation in late 2026, doubling down on an aggressive buildout schedule.

Emerging Opportunities

Samsung’s latest foundry hiring spree comes as global chipmakers look for alternatives amid TSMC’s rising prices and tightening supply, Sedaily reports. With TSMC expected to hike Arizona-based 4nm prices by as much as 30% starting in 2026 due to soaring U.S. operating costs, customers are increasingly reassessing their options, as per Sedaily.

The report adds that Samsung may be positioned to capture overflow demand: TSMC’s 3nm capacity is effectively sold out for next year, while its 2nm production is reportedly dominated by Apple, leaving limited room for other major clients.

Read more

• [News] Samsung 3Q Profit Hits 3-Year High on Memory, Foundry; Tesla AI5 Reportedly Set for 2nm at Taylor
• [News] Samsung May Boost Taylor Investment Beyond $50B, Poised to Be 2nd-Largest Foundry in the U.S.

(Photo credit: Samsung)