Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Surface Mount Technology Pick-and-Place Programmer

Manufacturing & Production OperationsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeFremont, CA, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

Experience in a factory environment or contract manufacturer with hands-on surface mount technology programming.
Familiarity with electrostatic discharge and moisture sensitivity level handling requirements for components and printed circuit board assemblies.
Understanding of 5S principles and production quality metrics such as yield and rework rate.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate technically with engineers and operators, verbally and in writing.
Proficiency in interpreting computer-aided design data formats: Gerber, ODB++, ASCII, and Text XY.
Experience with surface mount technology equipment, including pick-and-place machines, screen printers, solder paste inspection, automated optical inspection, automated X-ray inspection, and flying probe; flying probe experience is a plus.
Basic knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards.
Strong problem-solving ability and comfort with data-driven decision-making.
Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends during new product introduction or production surges.

Responsibilities

Program, debug, maintain, and troubleshoot surface mount technology pick-and-place machines, including Fuji and Juki equipment, for new and existing builds.
Generate and optimize pick-and-place programs from customer computer-aided design data, including Gerber, ODB++, ASCII, and Text XY formats, bills of materials, and assembly drawings.
Support changeovers by preparing and validating new programs, feeder setups, and machine configurations.
Program and maintain solder paste inspection systems to ensure consistent paste deposition.
Support automated X-ray inspection programming and calibration for hidden solder joints and ball grid array components.
Troubleshoot placement errors, feeder jams, vision misreads, and machine alignment issues using root-cause analysis.
Collaborate with area leads, operators, and manufacturing engineers to resolve issues and improve process stability.
Follow electrostatic discharge, moisture sensitivity level, 5S, and safety protocols; promptly report near misses, unsafe acts, and incidents.
Read and interpret surface-mount and through-hole component values, bills of materials, and assembly drawings accurately.
Document procedures, issues, and improvements in technical reports and work instructions.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with flying probe equipment.

Category	Engineering & Information Technology
Location	Fremont, California
Requisition ID	288049
Type	Full-time

Job Description

<p>At Tesla, we design “The Machine that builds the Machine.” As a Surface Mount Technology PnP Programmer you’ll be a critical part of the team that produces the high performance power electronics boards that drive Tesla’s vehicles and energy products. You’ll work hands-on with SMT equipment, program and debug pick and place machines, and support the transition from prototype to high volume production. </p><p>You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment where precision, ownership, and technical curiosity are rewarded. This is a role for someone who takes pride in their work, solves problems with data, and is eager to grow in a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. </p>

Job Responsibilities

Program, debug, maintain, and troubleshoot SMT pick-and-place machines (Fuji, Juki, etc.) for new and existing builds
Generate and optimize PnP programs from customer CAD data (Gerber, ODB++, ASCII, Text XY), BOMs, and assembly drawings
Support changeovers by preparing and validating new programs, feeder setups, and machine configurations
Program and maintain Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) systems to ensure consistent paste deposition
Support Automated X-ray Inspection (AXI) programming and calibration for hidden solder joints and BGA components
Troubleshoot placement errors, feeder jams, vision misreads, and machine alignment issues with root-cause analysis
Collaborate with Area Leads, Operators, and Manufacturing Engineers to resolve issues and improve process stability
Follow all ESD, MSL, 5S, and safety protocols; report near misses, unsafe acts, and incidents immediately
Read and interpret SMD/PTH component values, BOMs, and assembly drawings with high accuracy
Document procedures, issues, and improvements in technical reports and work instructions

Job Requirements

Experience in a factory environment or contract manufacturer (CM) with hands-on SMT programming

Familiarity with ESD and MSL handling requirements for components and PCBAs

Understanding of 5S principles and production quality metrics (e.g., yield, rework rate)

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision

Ability to communicate technically with engineers and operators — both verbally and in writing

Proficient in interpreting CAD data formats: Gerber, ODB++, ASCII, Text XY

Experience with SMT equipment: pick-and-place, screen printers, SPI, AOI, AXI, flying probe (a plus)

Basic knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards

Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort with data-driven decision-making

Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, and weekends during NPI or production surges

About the Company

Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Tesla makes electric cars and batteries that store power for homes and utilities, and it develops self-driving software and humanoid robots. In 2023, its Model Y became the first electric vehicle to rank as the world's best-selling car. Buyers order the Model 3 sedan, Model Y SUV, or Cybertruck pickup directly from Tesla instead of through dealers, and they charge on its Supercharger fast-charging network. It also sells Megapack and Powerwall batteries, runs a robotaxi service, and charges drivers a monthly fee for self-driving software that still needs their supervision. Tesla was founded in 2003, with Elon Musk as its lead early investor and a recognized co-founder, and it is based in Austin, Texas.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Founded: 2003

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