Manager, Manufacturing Engineering - Optimus Assembly & Test

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Recruit, develop, and retain a team of manufacturing engineers who embody Tesla's values - humble, hungry, and smart. Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and disciplined execution
• Drive End-to-End Product Launches: Own the full product launch lifecycle for Optimus Assembly and Test - from early-stage concept through prototype, pilot, and high-volume production ramp — ensuring on-time delivery at designed rate
• Lead DFM and Design Simplification: Partner with hardware and design engineering teams early in the product development cycle to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives. Simplify product designs to enable mass manufacturability, with a bias toward innovative solutions that reduce complexity and cost 
• Develop Processes and Equipment: Lead the development, specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning of assembly and test equipment. Ensure lines are brought up on schedule and validated to meet quality and throughput requirements
• Ramp Lines to Designed Rate: Drive line balancing, capacity planning, and bottleneck resolution to ramp assembly and test lines to designed production rates. Implement robust process controls and monitoring to sustain rate and quality
• Communicate Effectively Across All Levels: Deliver clear, concise, and data-driven updates to senior leadership and executives. Proactively surface risks, propose solutions, and align stakeholders across cross-functional teams including Design, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations
• Champion Process Discipline and Continuous Improvement: Model and enforce engineering rigor and operational discipline within the team. Apply first-principles thinking to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and drive scalable automation where appropriate
• Ensure Seamless Handover to Operations: Develop comprehensive documentation, work instructions, and training materials to enable a smooth transition from engineering to sustaining operations teams
  

Job Requirements

• Proven People Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing and growing engineering teams. Known for building cohesive, high-performing teams and holding yourself and others to a high standard of excellence and accountability
• Strong background in mechanical assembly, electromechanical integration, and test system development
• Proficiency in CAD tools (CATIA and AutoCAD preferred)
• Familiarity with automation equipment, control systems, torque tools, and communication protocols (PLC, HMI, SCADA)
• Hands-on experience with quality control matrices, testing protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies
• End-to-End Launch Experience: Proven track record of launching new products from concept through high-volume production, including DFM, process/equipment development, line installation, commissioning, and rate ramp
• Robotics or Complex Electromechanical Manufacturing: Experience in robotics, automotive, aerospace, or similarly complex manufacturing environments. Ability to learn and adapt quickly to the unique challenges of humanoid robotics manufacturing
• Executive Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present clearly and confidently to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Self-Driven and Disciplined: Highly self-motivated with strong personal discipline. Able to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience