Lead Engineering Technician, Launch Team

The Lead Engineering Technician, Launch Team will report to their NPI Supervisor and will be responsible for performing NPI builds, tasks, line trials, and maintaining the NPI area they are over. This individual is expected to be able to understand and execute against provided manufacturing instructions (if available), validate their own work and that of others, check the quality of previous operations, mentor new and veteran NPI technicians, lead builds in defined areas, and assist in meeting program schedules and deadlines. The NPI Lead is expected to be able to provide feedback, define standard work, and suggest process improvements. Experience with hand tools and use of semi-automated manufacturing equipment is necessary.

• Serve as the primary technical expert for New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, provide advanced troubleshooting, process optimization, and guidance on complex assembly and testing procedures to ensure high-quality products from the team
• Develop and manage comprehensive technician training programs, including: technician onboarding, hands-on workshops, and ongoing skill assessment and development to maintain a highly competent team aligned with evolving NPI standards
• Conduct regular audits of day-to-day workflows, identify inefficiencies, compliance gaps, and improvement opportunities, while implementing corrective actions to enhance operational reliability and reduce error rates
• Facilitate daily standup meetings, coordinate team updates, address blockers in real-time, and foster collaboration to keep NPI projects on track and promote a culture of continuous improvement
• Act as the main point of contact (POC) for cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain, to align on project requirements, resolve interdepartmental issues, and drive seamless integration of NPI activities
• Collaborate with leadership to define NPI metrics and KPIs, track performance trends, and contribute to strategic planning for scaling technician operations in support of company or project growth initiatives
• Previous experience leading/mentoring indirect reporting crews of 5 or more
• Basic understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
• Ability to read and understand manufacturing instructions and mechanical drawings with basic understanding of electrical systems
• Must have a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, married with the ability to work quickly Basic machine shop skills desired with welding skills a plus
• Must be reliable, have good initiative, committed, and quality focused and have the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Be comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously, with ability to interact with multiple teams
• Fluent in MS Office Suite

Essential Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 30 lbs. ongoingly and to maintain a safe working environment
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours/day
• Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
• Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, bump cap and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours/day, including over varied and uneven terrain

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