Tesla is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineer to design, program, and commission cutting-edge automated lines for Optimus machined components - from early prototype cells through Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) to mass-production SOP. You will own deployment of industrial controls and automation that deliver safety, rate, quality, and OEE targets for high-precision machining value streams.
APPLICATION NOTE: You do not need deep expertise in both fields to apply. The successful candidate will own and lead deployment for ANY ONE of the following technical tracks:
- Track 1: Controls Engineering - PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, safety networks, robotics integration, and industrial network architecture
- Track 2: Vision Engineering - automated 2D/3D vision system integration, smart cameras, lighting configurations, optical inspection, and deep-learning/SI defect detection
You will partner with Process, Equipment, Mechanical, Quality, Manufacturing, and external vendors/integrators to specify, debug, and buy off automated machining cells. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable leading commissioning and continuous automation improvement in a fast-paced NPI and ramp environment.
Travel expected 25% - ability to travel domestically and internationally to other Tesla factory locations and suppliers as required.
- Own or deeply support one primary technical track (Controls Engineering or Vision Engineering) while collaborating across automation disciplines for full cell performance; design, program, and debug robust PLC and HMI/SCADA applications for complex manufacturing equipment and motion-control platforms supporting Optimus machining
- Integrate and optimize multi-axis robotics, high-performance servo systems, and safety control architectures to meet cycle time, quality, and safety requirements
- Implement, configure, validate, and continuously improve machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent 2D/3D systems, smart cameras, lighting, optical inspection, and inspection algorithms)
- Support MES integration for full product traceability across machining processes and downstream handoffs
- Define, plan, and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at supplier sites and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) / site commissioning at Tesla factories - debug logic, validate safety circuits, close punch lists, and secure formal line buy-off - and lead installation, commissioning, and production launch under aggressive schedules
- Drive continuous automation improvements to optimize cycle time, equipment availability, and OEE; own station- and cell-level controls and automation metrics during ramp
- Lead cross-functional equipment design reviews (controls, safety, process, mechanical, and layout) and own equipment specifications, RFQs, acceptance criteria, and project timelines; manage vendors and integrators from concept through buy-off and handover, driving Tesla standards, maintainability, and network architecture into designs
- Lead safety buyoffs and risk assessments prior to launch; ensure guarding, interlocks, safety networks, and compliance with Tesla and applicable machine-safety standards
- Create and maintain technical documentation required for ownership at SOP (controls architecture, PLC/HMI standards, network diagrams, vision recipes and validation records, SOPs, and training materials) and partner on manufacturing readiness reviews so processes are capable, safe, and ready for high-volume production
- Support flexible hours on the factory floor during launch, ramp, and critical downtime events as business needs require
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of hands-on industrial automation experience supporting automated manufacturing launches in a high-volume environment
- Proven ability programming industrial control systems using Beckhoff, Siemens, or Allen-Bradley PLCs (primary for the Controls track)
- Deep understanding of industrial fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, or Ethernet/IP) and safety networking
- Hands-on experience deploying, configuring, and tuning Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent vision systems (primary for the Vision track; a strong plus for the Controls track)
- Exceptional troubleshooting and commissioning skills with a solid foundation in industrial robotics and advanced motion control
- Direct experience executing FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, and production ramp of automated equipment
- Working knowledge of HMI/SCADA design, MES and data collection for traceability, and structured problem-solving (e.g., 5-Why, 8D, DMAIC, Pareto)
- Strong cross-functional communication skills; able to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Process, Equipment, and Design under changing priorities
- Ability to work hands-on on the factory floor and support ~25% travel domestically and internationally to suppliers and Tesla sites as required
Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
- Medical plans > 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 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 period)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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
- Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)