Supplier Quality Engineer, Exteriors

Tesla's Supplier Quality team serves as the critical frontline defense against quality issues in our supply chain. We rapidly identify, contain, and resolve supplier quality concerns to protect manufacturing lines. This fast-paced role demands exceptional problem-solving abilities, decisive action, and effective communication with internal/external teams at all levels. For curious minds, this position offers unparalleled exposure to complex manufacturing systems, quality methodologies, and Tesla's innovative approach to problem-solving. You'll develop valuable technical and leadership skills while making a direct, measurable impact on our production systems.

The mission: Safeguard Tesla's manufacturing operations by preventing supplier quality issues through proactive identification, containment, and permanent resolution - ultimately supporting our commitment to delivering high-quality products to our customers.

• Lead comprehensive investigations of supplier quality issues, leveraging understanding of plastic injection molding, wrapping processes, manufacturing, design specifications, and quality standards to quantify problems with data
• Drive containment actions and develop sorting/rework methodologies that ensure only parts meeting quality standards reach production lines, applying creative problem-solving to error-proof these processes
• Solve problems under pressure by thinking clearly to assess situations and provide the team with actionable next steps
• Prioritize tasks effectively using hypothesis testing and Risk Priority Number (RPN) evaluation
• Break down complex tasks into manageable steps and lead implementation from the frontlines
• Identify and champion kaizen initiatives that reduce part costs, enhance quality standards, or improve ergonomics in manufacturing processes
• Own and drive Supplier Quality KPIs including SCAR containment metrics, sort closure rates, aging MRB tickets, and related performance indicators
• Coordinate effectively with suppliers to ensure timely sort initiations by managing PO releases, communicating Clean Shipment Dates, and conducting thorough Verification of Effectiveness for SCARs
• Stay at the forefront of emerging manufacturing and engineering trends impacting product quality
• Follow issues through to completion, with flexibility to support different production shifts or commodities as per business needs
• 2+ years of relevant industry experience with a degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Understanding of implications of class A surface components on vehicles. Understanding of Appearance Approval Process is a plus
• Strong foundation in manufacturing and quality methodologies including OEE, 8D problem solving, Pareto Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Process Control, and measurement system analysis
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for building collaborative relationships across functional teams, with the confidence to direct supplier activities at the management level
• Proactive, results-driven mindset with passion for improving processes, enhancing part quality, and driving operational excellence
• Natural curiosity, a hand on approach and willingness to learn new skills with a focus on quick implementation
• Practical experience with Quality Systems, PPAP/APQP processes, understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and various inspection methods
• Strong technical communication abilities, particularly in translating complex engineering concepts into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences
• Supplier sourcing or process audit experience is a plus
• Practical experience with data analysis and visualization using tools like SQL, Tableau, Python is a plus

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