Controls & Automation Engineer

Job Description

<p>Tesla is seeking a Controls &amp; Automation Engineer to design, program, and commission cutting-edge automated lines for Optimus machined components — from early prototype cells through Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) to mass-production SOP. You will own deployment of industrial controls and automation that deliver safety, rate, quality, and OEE targets for high-precision machining value streams. </p><p>APPLICATION NOTE: You do not need deep expertise in both fields to apply. The successful candidate will own and lead deployment for ANY ONE of the following technical tracks: </p><ul class="tds-list tds-list--unordered"><li><b>Track 1: Controls Engineering — </b>PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, safety networks, robotics integration, and industrial network architecture </li></ul><ul class="tds-list tds-list--unordered"><li><b>Track 2: Vision Engineering — </b>automated 2D/3D vision system integration, smart cameras, lighting configurations, optical inspection, and deep-learning/SI defect detection </li></ul><p>You will partner with Process, Equipment, Mechanical, Quality, Manufacturing, and external vendors/integrators to specify, debug, and buy off automated machining cells. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable leading commissioning and continuous automation improvement in a fast-paced NPI and ramp environment. </p><p>Travel expected 25% — ability to travel domestically and internationally to other Tesla factory locations and suppliers as required. </p>

Job Responsibilities

• Own or deeply support one primary technical track (Controls Engineering or Vision Engineering) while collaborating across automation disciplines for full cell performance; design, program, and debug robust PLC and HMI/SCADA applications for complex manufacturing equipment and motion-control platforms supporting Optimus machining 

• Integrate and optimize multi-axis robotics, high-performance servo systems, and safety control architectures to meet cycle time, quality, and safety requirements 

• Implement, configure, validate, and continuously improve machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent 2D/3D systems, smart cameras, lighting, optical inspection, and inspection algorithms) 

• Support MES integration for full product traceability across machining processes and downstream handoffs 

• Define, plan, and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at supplier sites and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) / site commissioning at Tesla factories — debug logic, validate safety circuits, close punch lists, and secure formal line buy-off — and lead installation, commissioning, and production launch under aggressive schedules 

• Drive continuous automation improvements to optimize cycle time, equipment availability, and OEE; own station- and cell-level controls and automation metrics during ramp 

• Lead cross-functional equipment design reviews (controls, safety, process, mechanical, and layout) and own equipment specifications, RFQs, acceptance criteria, and project timelines; manage vendors and integrators from concept through buy-off and handover, driving Tesla standards, maintainability, and network architecture into designs 

• Lead safety buyoffs and risk assessments prior to launch; ensure guarding, interlocks, safety networks, and compliance with Tesla and applicable machine-safety standards 

• Create and maintain technical documentation required for ownership at SOP (controls architecture, PLC/HMI standards, network diagrams, vision recipes and validation records, SOPs, and training materials) and partner on manufacturing readiness reviews so processes are capable, safe, and ready for high-volume production 

• Support flexible hours on the factory floor during launch, ramp, and critical downtime events as business needs require 

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience 

• 5+ years of hands-on industrial automation experience supporting automated manufacturing launches in a high-volume environment 

• Proven ability programming industrial control systems using Beckhoff, Siemens, or Allen-Bradley PLCs (primary for the Controls track) 

• Deep understanding of industrial fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, or Ethernet/IP) and safety networking 

• Hands-on experience deploying, configuring, and tuning Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent vision systems (primary for the Vision track; a strong plus for the Controls track) 

• Exceptional troubleshooting and commissioning skills with a solid foundation in industrial robotics and advanced motion control 

• Direct experience executing FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, and production ramp of automated equipment 

• Working knowledge of HMI/SCADA design, MES and data collection for traceability, and structured problem-solving (e.g., 5-Why, 8D, DMAIC, Pareto) 

• Strong cross-functional communication skills; able to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Process, Equipment, and Design under changing priorities 

• Ability to work hands-on on the factory floor and support ~25% travel domestically and internationally to suppliers and Tesla sites as required