Simulation Engineer, Automation Development

What To Expect

Tesla is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join a world-class team of engineers in our Automation Development organization. The Automation Development organization helps bring Tesla’s vision to reality by designing and building the automated equipment that manufactures Tesla’s world-class products. We focus on achieving the highest efficiency, manufacturing volume, and safety while proving performance through simulation. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence the performance and reliability of innovative automation equipment from concept through virtual validation, working with cutting‑edge simulation platforms in a collaborative, high‑impact environment.

As a Simulation Engineer, you will lead simulation‑driven design and virtual validation for high‑volume automation systems. You’ll bridge the gap between digital models and real‑world execution by leveraging discrete‑event simulation, robotics modeling, and digital twins to de‑risk layouts, optimize robot performance, and validate control logic before any physical hardware is built. The ideal candidate will excel in a demanding and fast‑paced environment, working as part of a strong, agile team to solve complex automation challenges using first‑principles analysis and aggressive design optimization.

• Perform initial concepting simulations to analyze equipment layouts, cost, cycle times, and throughput performance using Flex Sim, optimizing variables such as space, labor, and material flow
• Develop detailed simulations of robot cells to evaluate placement, reach, paths, tooling, payloads, collision avoidance, and cycle times using Fanuc Robo Guide
• Build and maintain high‑fidelity digital‑twin simulations using Siemens Process Simulate that enable virtual commissioning of PLC control logic
• Synchronize simulation models with real‑world PLC behavior (TIA Portal/PLCSIM or equivalent) to validate sequences, I/O signals, and safety systems prior to physical deployment
• Design and implement custom modules or objects within simulation software to support complex automation and material‑flow scenarios
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and process engineers to translate simulation insights into actionable design improvements
• Generate simulation reports, validation videos, performance metrics, and digital‑twin documentation to support stakeholder reviews and engineering signoffs
• Drive adoption of simulation best practices and virtual commissioning workflows to reduce physical prototyping costs and accelerate equipment ramp‑up
• Challenge assumptions in manufacturing and automation designs, basing recommendations on first‑principles analysis and data‑driven optimization

• Engineering or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in simulation engineering supporting industrial automation, custom equipment, or high‑volume manufacturing projects
• Experience with Flex Sim for discrete‑event simulation, layout analysis, cycle‑time evaluation, and throughput optimization
• Experience with Fanuc Robo Guide (or equivalent robotics simulation tools) for robot‑cell modeling, offline path planning, reach studies, and cycle‑time optimization
• Experience with Siemens Process Simulate (or equivalent digital‑twin/virtual‑commissioning platforms) for PLC logic validation and virtual commissioning
• Solid understanding of automation fundamentals, including robotics, material handling, conveyors, and control systems
• Experience interpreting CAD models, mechanical drawings, and basic PLC logic; ability to work effectively with cross‑functional engineering teams
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on first‑principles validation and quantitative decision‑making
• Excellent communication skills to present complex simulation findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Experience with scripting for simulation automation (Flex Script, C++, Python, or VBA), CAD integration, or additional tools such as Emulate3D is a plus

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family‑building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including…