Process Technician

Job Description

The Process Technician supports manufacturing operations by sustaining and optimizing welding, mechanical, and chemical processes to ensure product quality, efficiency, and safety. This role involves monitoring equipment, troubleshooting out-of-control processes, and resolving issues to minimize downtime. Responsibilities include qualifying new equipment and processes, managing non-conforming materials, and driving continuous improvement through yield enhancement, scrap reduction, and Lean/5S initiatives. The Technician also performs routine equipment repairs, supports line configuration, and collaborates with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to meet production goals while adhering to safety protocols. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and welding process improvement within a manufacturing environment.

*This role will be based out of the Greater Houston Area (TX) however will be expected to work in Lathrop (CA) to support early builds and validation for the first 6-12 months. Other travel may be required. Travel plans and reimbursement will follow Tesla’s Travel Policy and will be governed by the direct manager.

Job Responsibilities

• Support Engineering and Manufacturing by setting up and operating welding/joining processes for lab tests and welding experiments, drafting manufacturing instructions, including rework procedures, and ensuring up-to-date qualification schedules
• Train Associates on new or revised manufacturing instructions
• Provide daily coverage of welding processes for smooth operations, responding promptly to out-of-control processes to minimize costs and maximize productivity
• Investigate and implement countermeasures to enhance process Cpk and product yield
• Conduct experiments and analyze data under the guidance of process engineers, including but not limited to Design of Experiments (DOE) and Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R)
• Lead disposition of non-conformance materials produced by the production line, escalating issues to the Production Engineering team as necessary
• Support Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives, managing parts and tools inventory, executing repairs and troubleshooting welding problems, and managing workload proactively with a positive attitude to assist co-workers

Job Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Electronic, Metallurgy, Welding or some technical certificate or equivalent experience in a manufacturing/industrial environment
• Knowledge in Fanuc Robot, WTC Weld Controller, Lincoln power source – Power Wave (Desirable)
• Knowledge in Resistance Spot Welding (RSW), GMAW MIG/MAG, Destructive Test (DT), and Nondestructive Test (DT) (Desirable)
• Demonstrates adherence to EHS regulations and standards and leads by example
• Skilled in troubleshooting electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
• Proven ability to draw accurate conclusions from test data, malfunctions, or deviations, and assist with corrections to the existing process
• Skilled with the use of a variety of hand and portable tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours/day, including over varied and uneven terrain
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
• Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours/day
• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
• Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, arm protection, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines