Equipment Engineer

Job Description

The Equipment Engineering team (Model S and Model X, General Assembly) is seeking a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer to focus on supporting scaling-up of our operations.

As an Equipment Engineer on the assembly line at Tesla, you will be responsible for sustaining existing machinery and commissioning new equipment to ensure optimal performance and uptime of equipment. This position requires a hands-on approach to equipment installation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is highly technical, detail-oriented, and capable of coordinating with cross-functional teams to achieve equipment efficiency and operational excellence.

Successful members of the team will be highly proactive and self-sufficient in pursuing improvement projects, will be able to multitask and refocus efforts immediately to meet constantly shifting demands in a fast-paced environment, and have exceptional leadership ability to drive cross functional collaboration projects to completion on or ahead of schedule.

The candidate will work closely with internal cross-functional teams, external vendors, and technology partners on equipment development from concept prototype phase to production introduction. Must be willing to tackle whatever technical challenge presents itself and be willing to assist and learn from others in their areas of expertise.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and develop manufacturing equipment for vehicle assembly. Equipment includes Robots, Conveyors, AGVs, lift assists, special purpose machines, vision systems, jig, fixtures, tooling, etc.

• Develop RFQs for new equipment and interface with external Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms during bid and project execution phases as needed to ensure that designs and specifications meet Tesla Engineering Standards

• Interface with vendors, contractors, suppliers, and functional owners to coordinate project activities and remediate project issues

• Participate in on-field construction and commissioning activities by serving as the point of contact for technical questions and real-time issue resolution

• Day to day coverage of production line equipment: Respond to alarms, breakdowns, and production requests quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime

• Diagnose equipment failures, finds root cause, and communicate actions taken to the rest of the team. Investigate and implement countermeasures to prevent repetitive breakdowns

• Become Expert Level Trainer on all machines in assigned area and be responsible for the level of knowledge of Shift technicians

• Design and implement equipment reliability improvement projects

• Perform major equipment repairs and rebuilds, (some weekends and holidays required)

• Work with Controls engineering, Process engineering, Quality engineering, Maintenance and other cross functional groups to resolve equipment issues, improve equipment reliability, and minimize equipment downtime

Job Requirements

• Degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

• Work efficiently and productively both independently and in team settings Communicate clearly using excellent written and verbal skills

• Demonstrate talent for conceiving efficient design solutions to complex engineering challenges

• Minimum 2 years related experience in a technology-based industry, where automated assembly techniques are utilized

• Proficiency designing mechanical equipment, fixtures and tooling in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Catia is a plus)

• Knowledge of different manufacturing processes and fabrication techniques

• Industrial experience working in high-volume assembly processes

• Familiarity with industrial robots and controls systems