Controls Engineer, Cell Engineering

What to Expect

Tesla is accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. Join our Cell Engineering team in building next-generation battery cell pilot production and R&D equipment that pushes the boundaries of manufacturing automation.

As a Controls Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize advanced control systems for cutting-edge battery cell manufacturing equipment. You will own controls architecture from concept through commissioning, debug, and continuous improvement - working closely with Design Engineering, Process Engineering, and cross‑functional teams to rapidly bring new cell designs and processes from prototype to production.

You will program and integrate PLCs, robots, safety systems, HMIs, and vision systems while ensuring maximum uptime, yield, and cycle time performance in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment.

• Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time, equipment availability, and yield using data‑driven methods (simulation, Gage R&R, Cpk, capability studies, etc.)
• Develop robust system architecture, detailed electrical/pneumatic schematics, and utility layouts; collaborate with facilities for implementation
• Architect, write, and debug clean, structured, well‑documented PLC ladder logic (with emphasis on maintainability and reusability) that interfaces with conveyors, robots, MES, machine vision, and third‑party equipment
• Design and implement control‑reliable safety systems (ANSI/RIA 15.06 / OSHA compliant) for robots, gantries, conveyors, and high‑volume automation
• Create intuitive, aesthetically clean HMI screens that provide effective troubleshooting and operator feedback
• Participate in equipment conceptual development, balancing product requirements, process control, complexity, cost, quality, and lead time
• Lay out NFPA 79 / NEC / UL508A‑compliant industrial control panels; generate electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
• Manage suppliers through specification, design reviews, technical quote evaluation, and buy‑off; enforce Tesla standards and lead equipment characterization/validation for production release
• Build and commission electrical cabinets, field wiring, and pneumatic/fluid systems; select and size servo drives, gearheads, and electromechanical components
• Establish data management networks for product, process, and quality traceability

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Strong proficiency in process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems
• Advanced experience programming industrial controls including Ladder Logic PLCs and Safety PLCs (Beckhoff, Siemens, Rockwell, Omron, Mitsubishi)
• HMI/GUI development (Factory Talk, Ignition, or similar)
• Fieldbus networks (EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, safety‑rated buses)
• Solid experience with serial (RS‑232) and Ethernet communications between PLCs, instruments, and database/MES systems
• Familiarity with hazardous location equipment (Class I, Division 2 or equivalent) for explosive/flammable material processes, including proper hardware selection
• Hands‑on exposure to a wide range of production machinery, sensors, and subsystems (LVDT, pressure transducers, dispense systems, torque controllers, power meters, temperature controllers, etc.)
• Highly desired:
  Prior experience with manufacturing equipment, especially in battery/EV‑related production
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to documentation and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

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…