Manufacturing Engineering Lead, Optimus Factory Texas, Gears

Tesla is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead to support the development and launch of the Optimus Gears manufacturing program. This role is responsible for leading one of the major gear product families through process development, equipment industrialization, supplier integration, pilot builds, and production launch.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Product Design Engineering, Controls Engineering, Quality Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Supply Chain, and Equipment Suppliers to develop safe, scalable, and highly automated manufacturing systems from concept through Start of Production (SOP).

This position will serve as the technical owner for an assigned product family while driving manufacturing excellence, automation, and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. Travel expected 25% - Ability to travel domestically and internationally to suppliers as required.

• Lead manufacturing process development for an assigned Optimus gear family, including process flows, factory layouts, and line-balancing strategies
• Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities
• Develop PFMEA, Control Plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and standardized work
• Define manufacturing equipment requirements, lead equipment RFQs, and partner with suppliers through equipment design, build, validation, and commissioning
• Support the integration of automation, robotics, machine vision, and material handling systems
• Lead Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) and equipment buyoff, then support pilot builds, production validation, and Start of Production (SOP)
• Establish process capability targets, cycle times, quality standards, and OEE goals
• Lead structured root-cause investigations using 8D, DOE, SPC, and Lean Manufacturing principles
• Support supplier development and manufacturing readiness reviews
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, throughput, cost, and efficiency, and mentor Manufacturing Engineers in engineering best practices
• Bachelor s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechatronics Engineering (or a related engineering discipline), or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in automated production environments
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment suppliers from concept through commissioning of high-speed automation, conveyance, and pick-and-place gantry systems
• Proficiency with CAD tools, including 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX, preferred), AutoCAD for layout design, and SolidWorks
• Hands-on experience with automation equipment, CNC equipment, heat treatment, assembly, and end-of-line (EOL) testing
• Strong understanding of drafting standards and the application of GD&T
• Working knowledge of industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing process development
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills

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