Tesla

Makes electric cars, robotaxis and grid batteries

Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer - General Assembly & Test, Optimus

Manufacturing EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timePalo Alto, CA, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A rigorous first-principles mindset for breaking complex problems down to fundamental truths and developing solutions to manufacturing challenges.
Proficiency in CAD tools; CATIA and AutoCAD are preferred.
Deep knowledge of mechanical assembly techniques, including pressing, fastening, and harnessing, and of electrical integration, quality control matrices, testing protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Familiarity with torque tools, automation equipment, control systems, and communication protocols such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and supervisory control and data acquisition.
Demonstrated success scaling products from prototype to high-volume production and ensuring a seamless handover to sustaining teams.
Ability to work in high-pressure environments while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and an organized approach to documentation and process handover.
A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Build, mentor, and scale high-performing manufacturing engineering teams to design and deploy high-volume production systems aligned with speed and quality objectives.
Partner with internal and external equipment suppliers to engineer, install, and validate production equipment, accelerating line ramp-up to meet volume targets.
Use first-principles analysis to assess product and process requirements and constraints, eliminate ambiguity, and ensure each element is purpose-driven and essential.
Identify and remove non-value-added workflow steps, prioritizing functional simplicity before automation or advanced optimization.
Analyze production bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve process speed, throughput, and overall line efficiency.
Integrate automation after process simplification to create robust, high-speed, and scalable systems.
Coordinate with operations teams during ramp-up, providing detailed documentation and training to support engineering teams over the long term.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with CATIA and AutoCAD.

Category	Manufacturing
Location	Palo Alto, California
Requisition ID	277912
Type	Full-time

Job Description

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer to build and lead a team of engineers focused on high-volume production launches. This role will drive the development of scalable manufacturing systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize product designs for manufacturability, accelerate assembly processes, and implement automation solutions. In this fast-paced, demanding environment, you’ll play a pivotal role in scaling Tesla’s SI robotics initiatives while advancing our mission to achieve sustainable abundance through innovative manufacturing practices. 

Job Responsibilities

Lead Manufacturing Engineering Team: Build, mentor, and scale high-performing teams to design and deploy high-volume production systems, ensuring alignment with Tesla’s speed and quality objectives
Collaborate with Equipment Suppliers: Partner with internal and external suppliers to engineer, install, and validate production equipment, accelerating line ramp-up to meet volume targets
Validate Requirements and Constraints: Use first principles analysis to rigorously assess product and process requirements, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring all elements are purpose-driven and essential
Optimize Production Processes: Identify and remove non-value-added steps in workflows, prioritizing functional simplicity before pursuing automation or advanced optimization
Improve Cycle Time: Analyze production bottlenecks and implement solutions to increase process speed, throughput, and overall line efficiency
Deploy Automation Solutions: Strategically integrate automation as a final step after process simplification, ensuring systems are robust, high-speed, and scalable
Ensure Seamless Operational Transitions: Coordinate with operations teams during ramp-up phases, delivering detailed documentation and training to sustain engineering teams for long-term success

Job Requirements

First Principles Thinking: A rigorous mindset focused on breaking down complex problems to their fundamental truths, enabling innovative solutions to manufacturing challenges
Proficiency in CAD tools (Catia and AutoCAD preferred) for designing and optimizing production systems
Deep knowledge of mechanical assembly techniques (pressing, fastening, harnessing, etc.) and electrical integration, including quality control matrices, testing protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies
Familiarity with torque tools, automation equipment, control systems, and communication protocols (e.g., PLC, HMI, SCADA)
Production Transition Experience: Demonstrated success in scaling products from prototype to high-volume production, ensuring seamless handover to sustaining teams
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines
Communication & Organization: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, paired with meticulous attention to detail and a highly organized approach to documentation and process handover
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering, or equivalent experience

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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