Controls & Automation Engineer, Optimus Machining

What To Expect Tesla is seeking a Controls & 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. 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: Track 1: Controls Engineering — PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, safety networks, robotics integration, and industrial network architecture Track 2: Vision Engineering — automated 2D/3D vision system integration, smart cameras, lighting configurations, optical inspection, and deep-learning/SI defect detection 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. Travel expected 25% — ability to travel domestically and internationally to other Tesla factory locations and suppliers as required. What You'll Do 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 What You'll Bring 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 Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire: Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits Company paid Basic Life, AD&D Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period) Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays Back-up childcare and parenting support resources Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs Tesla Babies program Commuter benefits Employee discounts and perks program Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels) , Tesla