We are looking for a highly skilled, hands-on Controls & Automation Engineer. In this foundational role, you will establish the controls engineering workflow, standards, and best practices for the entire team while actively supporting advanced automation across our supply base. You will identify critical areas where controls expertise is needed, drive PLC and robotics standardization, and personally own programming, debugging, and commissioning activities. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on experience writing and modifying PLC code with the ability to shape how controls engineering is performed in a new team environment.
- Establish end-to-end controls engineering workflow, standards, and best practices for the Supplier Industrialization team as its first dedicated Controls Engineer
- Proactively identify gaps and opportunities across projects and suppliers where controls engineering support is needed and define optimal deployment of controls resources
- Serve as the primary hands-on PLC expert by writing, reviewing, debugging, and owning machine PLC programs to ensure project timelines are met
- Lead benchmark studies and drive standardization of PLC platforms and robot systems across Tesla's supply base
- Review and critique supplier controls software including PLC logic, HMI, SCADA, MES integration, and robot applications and provide clear guidance on architecture, tech stack, languages, and platforms
- Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation such as flowcharts, system architecture diagrams, and controls standards
- Own the deployment of vision systems into production environments ensuring smooth debugging, validation, and long-term performance
- Act as subject matter expert for industrial robots and controls contributing to equipment RFQs, concept development, and technical supplier reviews
- Lead integration of complete robotic cells, AGVs, AMRs, conveyance systems, and supporting automation
- Evaluate capital equipment proposals, justify investments, manage project budgets, and drive accountability for cost and performance
- 6+ years of hands-on experience as a Controls or Automation Engineer in high-volume manufacturing
- Demonstrated ability to write, debug, and take ownership of complex PLC programs from multiple vendors with minimal ramp-up time
- Strong experience in industrial robotics with 5+ years of hands-on programming, troubleshooting, and integration of major brands including Fanuc, ABB, and KUKA
- Proficiency with multiple PLC platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, or equivalent, and experience with motor controllers
- Solid experience with industrial vision systems including Cognex, Keyence, Baumer, or similar technologies
- Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA, and Modbus
- Experience with robot simulation and offline programming tools such as Robcad, Delmia, or Process Simulate is strongly preferred
- Familiarity with APQP, DMAIC, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies with Green Belt or higher certification preferred
- Proficiency with statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab
- Proven track record of building or improving controls processes in ambiguous or early-stage environments. Willingness and ability to travel 25-30% of the time, including domestic and international trips, often on short notice
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
Expected Compensation
Associate Supplier Industrialization Engineer - Electronics - $92,000 - $138,000/annual salary
Supplier Industrialization Engineer - Electronics - $112,000 - $168,000/annual salary
Sr Supplier Industrialization Engineer - Electronics - $136,000 - $204,000/annual salary
Staff Supplier Industrialization Engineer - Electronics - $164,000 - $246,000/annual salary
Sr Staff Supplier Industrialization Engineer - Electronics - $204,000 - $306,000/annual salary
Principal Supplier Industrialization Engineer - Electronics - $228,000 - $342,000/annual salary
cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.