Manufacturing Engineer, Optimus General Assembly

Description

Tesla is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the development and launch of a highly automated Optimus assembly line from concept through production ramp to rate, yield, and OEE targets.  

You will partner with internal cross-functional teams and external equipment vendors to run equipment and process design reviews, execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commission lines, and drive launch and ramp to safety, rate, quality, and cost targets. 

In this role you will collaborate to specify and buy off production equipment and process, validate performance against Tesla standards, resolve issues in real time during acceptance testing and factory floor. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable leading vendors and internal stakeholders through a fast-paced NPI environment. 

Travel expected 25% — ability to travel domestically and internationally to other Tesla factory locations and suppliers as required. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in cross-functional equipment design reviews (mechanical, controls, safety, process, and layout), driving DFM/DFA feedback, clearance/ergonomics, cycle time, maintainability, and Tesla equipment standards into vendor and internal designs 

• Collaborate to develop and own equipment specifications, RFQs, acceptance criteria, and project timelines; manage vendors and integrators from concept through buy-off and handover 

• Define, plan, and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at supplier sites and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) / site commissioning at Tesla factories, including punch-list closure and formal acceptance 

• Lead installation, commissioning, and production launch of new manufacturing equipment and automated lines under aggressive schedules 

• Drive line ramp to meet safety, quality, throughput, cycle time, availability, and OEE targets; own station- and line-level metrics and continuous improvement during ramp 

• Collaborate with Process, Quality, and Controls Engineering on process validation, control plans, PFMEA inputs, sequence of operations, and production readiness 

• Lead safety buyoffs and risk assessments prior to launch; ensure guarding, interlocks, and compliance with Tesla and applicable machine-safety standards 

• Design or manage tooling, fixture, and equipment upgrades to support product changes, capacity, and OEE improvement 

• Create and maintain technical documentation required for successful ownership at SOP (equipment specs, maintenance instructions, SOPs, BOMs, schematics, validation/ramp reports, training materials, rework procedures) 

• Partner with cross functional team on process and manufacturing readiness reviews; ensure processes are feasible, capable, and ready for high-volume production

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or related engineering field, or equivalent experience 

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a high-volume automated manufacturing environment (equipment, manufacturing, or process engineering) 

• Direct experience with equipment design reviews and launching equipment through FAT, installation, SAT/commissioning, and production ramp 

• Working knowledge of automation systems: robotics, conveyors/material handling, pneumatics/servos, PLCs, HMIs, and data collection 

• Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA/AutoCAD) and ability to read mechanical drawings and electrical/pneumatic schematics 

• Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and process capability (Cpk/Ppk) 

• Demonstrated track record improving OEE, uptime, cycle time, yield, or process capability using structured problem-solving (e.g., 5-Why, 8D, DMAIC, Pareto) 

• Experience managing equipment vendors/integrators and delivering projects on schedule 

• Strong cross-functional communication skills; able to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Controls, and Design under changing priorities 

• Ability to work hands-on on the factory floor and, as business needs require, support flexible hours during launch and ramp 

Compensation and Benefits

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