Automation Controls Engineer, Recycling & Battery Materials

Description

Tesla’s Recycling & Battery Materials Program is looking for a highly motivated Controls Engineer to work on a critical challenge facing the world’s energy transition – closing the battery minerals and metals loop. This includes the scale-up of novel battery recycling processes and operation of pilot plants.

Controls Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and support of automation systems across a wide range of manufacturing processes. Close collaboration is required with process, mechanical, production, and maintenance teams to ensure systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. Controls Engineers contribute to the development of control standards, hardware and software programming, commissioning of new systems, and ongoing optimization of equipment throughout its lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Program and debug PLC control logic on multiple platforms (Siemens TIA Portal and Beckhoff TwinCAT)
• Develop clean, modular, and maintainable automation code for high-speed, multi-station manufacturing systems
• Implement robust control sequences for discrete and continuous processes
• Design and deploy intuitive HMIs using Siemens WinCC and Beckhoff TwinCAT HMI, as well as SCADA dashboards using Ignition
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to create and maintain comprehensive controls documentation package (IO list, network diagrams, instrumentation lists, CEM, and control narratives)
• Configure and tune servo drives and VFDs (e.g., Siemens, ABB, Allen Bradley) for smooth and precise operation
• Design, review, and support electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing
• Integrate equipment with Tesla’s MES using structured data interfaces, scripting, and SQL tools
• Design and validate safety systems compliant with ANSI, OSHA, and ISO standards to protect personnel and equipment
• Support equipment commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting across all project phases

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or at least 5 years of experience in sustaining or designing control systems, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 languages, especially structured text and ladder logic
• Experience with PLCs; Siemens TIA Portal (exposure to Beckhoff, B&R, or Omron a plus)
• Familiarity with industrial networks (Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC UA)
• Knowledge of motion control systems (servo drives, VFDs)
• Experience with safety-rated PLCs and machine safety systems
• Proficiency creating electrical schematics in CAD (EPLAN preferred)
• Strong troubleshooting skills in high-speed, automated environments