Supplier Industrialization Engineer, Seating Systems

Tesla's Supplier Industrialization Engineering (SIE) team for Seating Systems is responsible for the development, industrialization, and qualification of complex supplier seating components and assemblies. These assemblies contain a mix of electromechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems at global suppliers. The role requires technical expertise in these areas, including electric motors, seat recliners, gears (rack, pinion, worm, helical, straight), electric fans, electric heaters, and integrated assemblies. A foundational understanding of welding and metals (e.g., stamping, MIG/MAG/laser welding) will be considered important but secondary, supporting overall process validation for seating systems during new launches. Experience with pneumatic actuators and electrical controls will be a key advantage.

You will drive supplier readiness across design, tooling, automation, and testing for new programs, ensuring robust process capability, dimensional control, and zero-defect launch execution using frameworks like APQP. The SIE collaborates closely with Tesla Design, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver high-quality, precise, and safety-critical seating systems for rapid new program ramps.

• Actively engage from the design and development phase of new programs to drive electromechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical system designs (e.g., motor integration, gear mechanisms, fan/heater assemblies) in collaboration with Tesla Design Engineering and suppliers, ensuring manufacturability and process robustness are built in from concept using APQP principles

• Develop, manage, and qualify supplier manufacturing processes for seating systems in from prototype through mass production ramps

• Lead active engagements from tool/jig design development for new programs, focusing on automation for electromechanical assemblies and end-of-line testing protocols aligned with APQP milestones

• Lead Process Flow, PFMEA, and Control Plan reviews within APQP frameworks to ensure new program processes meet all functional, structural, and safety requirements defined by Tesla's design and validation teams, with strong emphasis on GD&T for high-precision interfaces in electromechanical and mechanical systems

• Audit supplier operations for electromechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems during new program qualification-verifying parameters like motor torque, gear alignment, pneumatic pressure, electrical continuity, and system integration-to ensure repeatability and compliance with Tesla standards

• Drive product quality through SPC, MSA, and GD&T validation in new programs, focusing on slots/holes, mounting features, and interfaces in gears, motors, actuators and electrical connectors

• Validate supplier capacity (OEE) and automation readiness for new program launches, including robot programming, fixture/jig design, equipment qualification, and uptime tracking for assemblies

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by coordinating supplier process readiness, tooling verification, and pilot-build quality reviews to ensure flawless launch execution, prioritizing electromechanical and pneumatic system performance with integrated end-of-line testing under APQP guidelines

• Lead root cause analysis and CAPA activities for new programs by conducting detailed investigations of process, quality, and design-related defects, providing actionable feedback to Tesla teams, and implementing robust, sustainable improvements, including secondary weld-related fixes for structural integrity

• Guide suppliers in achieving best-in-class performance in line automation and end-of-line testing for new programs, promoting inline inspection, robust mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) systems, and automation for electromechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical integrations, with supporting stamping and welding processes

• 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, with deep expertise in seating systems focused on new program development

• Degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience with evidence of exceptional ability. Graduate-level education in the above fields is preferred

• Proven depth in developing and validating complex systems for new programs, including fixture/jig design, parameter optimization, and integration for complex and automated assemblies

• Strong understanding of APQP, GD&T, PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA, SPC, control plans, line automation, and end-of-line testing methodologies for electrical and mechanical assemblies in new product launches

• Proficiency in supplier audits, tooling verification, process capability (Cp/Cpk, Pp/Ppk) analysis, and metrology systems (CMM, CM4D, 3D scanning)

• Knowledge of inspection methods for electromechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems (e.g., torque testing, electrical diagnostics, pneumatic leak checks)

• Expertise in root cause analysis and CAPA for providing process, quality, and design-related feedback in new program contexts

• Foundational expertise in metal structure processes like stamping and robotic welding (e.g., MIG/MAG/laser), including secondary weld inspections (visual, cut-and-etch, destructive testing)

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Availability to travel globally (30-50%) to audit, launch, and support supplier manufacturing lines for new programs

• Full professional proficiency in English