Controls Engineer, Body in White

What To Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Controls Engineer to join our Body in White (BIW) Engineering team and play a pivotal role in sustaining and improving advanced manufacturing equipment in a fast‑paced, automated environment. The ideal candidate has practical experience, a high aptitude for learning and adapting quickly, and a track record of driving continuous improvement through data‑driven problem solving and controls development.

Engineers who thrive in a collaborative environment, are motivated to work closely with cross‑functional teams and engage with Maintenance Technicians to drive operational efficiency, are encouraged to apply.

• Sustain 24/7 manufacturing operations, utilizing working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems to respond to escalations and quickly resolve equipment failures or address quality concerns. Employ structured problem‑solving techniques to contain, root‑cause, and eliminate failure modes.
• Take ownership of manufacturing processes, analysing performance metrics and optimising equipment to maximise safety and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), driving world‑class process quality and manufacturing capacity. Collaborate with Equipment, Process, and Quality Engineers to drive continuous improvement projects to optimise production line serviceability, reliability, throughput, and process capability.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of automated equipment upgrades or installation, coordinating with internal teams or external integrators. Develop and maintain Siemens PLC and HMI software to optimise production capability and improve operator experience.
• Maintain key documentation, including electrical schematics, for the automated systems. Integrate safety systems to ensure the safe operation of the equipment and conduct risk assessments for equipment under development and lead safety buy‑offs before launch.
• Partner with Maintenance Technicians on servicing and improving automated equipment. Collaborate on the implementation or improvement of Preventive and Corrective Maintenance procedures and provide training on the critical skills necessary for controls recovery and modification.

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in an automated, fast‑paced manufacturing environment, including exposure to safety best practices and change management systems.
• Proficiency in programming industrial equipment using IEC 61131‑3 languages, particularly Structured Text and Ladder Logic. Experience with PLCs (Siemens is a must) and safety implementation (Siemens, SIMATIC Integrated Safety, TwinSAFE, PILZ). Working familiarity with robot programming and troubleshooting (preferably FANUC) is a plus.
• Knowledge in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, and selecting and integrating circuit protection, sensors, safety hardware, servos, PLC hardware, and other components.
• Experience commissioning and improving automated manufacturing equipment. Demonstrated track record of OEE improvement, strong problem‑solving skills, and an aptitude for learning systems quickly. Knowledge of structured problem‑solving techniques such as Five Why (5W) or Eight Disciplines (8D).
• Capacity for self‑motivation and good judgment, comfort with managing a broad scope of responsibilities with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, complemented by proven project management experience.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including shift work on nights and weekends as required by business needs.

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 with $0 paycheck contribution options
• Company‑paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution when enrolled in a High‑Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Health and Dependent Care…