Electrical Engineer - Automation

Job Description

Tesla is seeking a motivated electrical engineer to join the MADE team (Manufacturing, Automation, Development, Engineering) at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada. In this role, you will drive the design and development of new automation equipment and manufacturing lines, creating custom schematics for electrical panels, field wiring, and plumbing while collaborating with cross-functional teams – including technicians, mechanical engineers, and controls specialists – to interpret requirements, procure equipment, and execute troubleshooting and commissioning. The ideal candidate takes pride in precision-driven designs, demonstrates strong organizational skills, and thrives in Tesla’s high-impact environment, where excellence is recognized and individuals are entrusted with significant responsibility. They will balance continuous on-the-job learning with advising cross-functional peers, operating efficiently and independently to deliver innovative solutions.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in the initial equipment conceptual development phase and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, preferred component selection, and lead-time limitations while working with cross functional teams (project planning)
• Perform sizing calculations (FLA, SCCR, etc.) for power distribution panels (initial facilities requirements)
• Design, create, and implement electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics (in EPLAN) as per national codes and standards (UL508A, NFPA79, NEC, etc.) including electrical panel and field design
• Design and implement reliable safety controls systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment as per national codes and standards (OSHA and ISO)
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components (servos, sensors, and valve manifolds, etc.)
• Transform concept layouts/designs into fabrication & installation drawings (documentation creation)
• Manage BOMs and the fabrication of electrical cabinets, field wiring, pneumatics, and fluid plumbing, and participate in the equipment commissioning phase (electrical technician management, controls support)
• Support Tesla’s goal of continuous improvement, and incorporate new techniques into the design and build processes for new equipment (electrical specification and standard creation)
• Modify existing equipment to support the manufacturing of our products (OEE improvements and new product support)
• Work with internal and external vendors on projects, supporting project management and standard adherence (domestic and international travel up to 15%)

Job Requirements

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Experience designing electrical schematics for panels and field wiring in AutoCAD or EPLAN (Preferred)
• Hands-on experience working on the design and build of industrial automation equipment
• In-depth knowledge of electrical design compliancy for different regions, including national codes and standards (e.g., UL508A, NFPA79, NEC, etc.)
• Proficiency in the design of pneumatic circuits and network topology, with knowledge of both theory and practical applications
• Proficiency in the sizing and selection of components (e.g., overcurrent protection devices, power supplies, servo drives and motors, VFDs, PLCs, network switches, PDBs and terminal blocks, wire and cable, sensors, safety relays, PLCs, IO blocks, valve manifolds, and other field devices)
• Experience creating and maintaining project documentation and fabrication techniques (e.g., drawings, BOMs, build instructions, manufacturing data exports, reports, etc.) 
• Degree in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent experience