Manufacturing Engineer, Machining, Optimus

What To Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Manufacturing Engineer specializing in machining to lead the design, installation, and ramp‑up of advanced, automated machining lines. In this role, you'll inform product design by specifying what needs to be machined, how it should be done to ensure manufacturability, and how to meet performance requirements using the minimal number of processes. You'll also lead the factory layout of these machining lines to maximize efficiency and scalability.

Additionally, you will be required to hire the team to execute based on the scope of work identified.

You will also oversee the fabrication, installation, integration, commissioning, and ramp‑up of the lines until handover to the Sustaining Production Operations team. This includes on‑site coordination with suppliers, equipment bring‑up, and demonstrating expected performance metrics, along with providing comprehensive supporting documentation such as work instructions and maintenance procedures.

Post‑handover, you'll shift focus to developing the next line, often managing multiple lines at various development stages simultaneously. Strong multitasking, time‑management, and prioritization skills are essential to handle these dynamic responsibilities effectively.

• Partner closely with product design engineers and materials engineers to translate conceptual designs into manufacturable machining processes. Provide input on design for manufacturability (DFM) and tolerances to ensure designs are optimized for factory scalability and cost‑effectiveness.
• Design the most efficient factory layout for machining operations, optimizing material flow, providing inputs to factory teams and collaborating closely to ensure space readiness on schedule.
• Prepare RFQs, down‑select suppliers, and work with GSM teams to source equipment that meets timelines.
• Install, commission, integrate and troubleshoot new equipment and support setup for manufacturing, including machines, peripheral equipment, tools, and automation systems.
• Manage external equipment integrators from development through buy‑off.
• Validate and characterize new equipment and fixtures for production implementation.
• Design production workstations for optimal ergonomics and efficiency and set up workflows for each machined part, including quality checks.
• Create detailed manufacturing instructions to document new processes and develop a master list of spares, maintenance items, and tools required to operate the facility.
• Author and document all processes and steps to facilitate asset handover, including proving line OEE and ensuring critical spares are stocked.
• Build and lead a machining group to execute the line(s).

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent, and 10+ years of experience setting up machining lines and building machining factories.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes for new and unique products.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.
• Experience designing layouts, mechanical equipment, fixturing, and tooling in CAD software (CATIA, Solid Works, etc.).
• Experience designing manufacturing lines in 2D and 3D environments.
• Experience building/leading technical teams.
• Experience building manufacturing lines and either running them or handing them over to operations for sustainment.

• 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