Process Engineer, Optimus Charging

Description

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

You will partner with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors to run process and line-layout reviews, develop processes and line balance, participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and launch and ramp the manufacturing line to safety, rate, quality, and cost targets. 

In this role you will help specify and buy off manufacturing processes, validate performance against Tesla standards, and resolve issues in real time during acceptance testing and on the factory floor. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable working with internal stakeholders and vendors 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 cross-functional process and manufacturing readiness reviews with Design, Quality, Tooling, Equipment, Automation, and Production to ensure processes are feasible, capable, and ready for high-volume production 

• Develop, document, and implement manufacturing processes — process flows, manufacturing instructions, routings, SOPs, cycle time studies, and standard work — and maintain change control (PCAs/ECOs), specifications, and BOM/MES alignment through launch and sustain 

• Own line and workstation layout development and reviews, including product flow, material presentation, ergonomics, waste reduction, and Lean line configuration 

• Develop and maintain process balance, takt and cycle-time plans, bottleneck analysis, and capacity models to meet throughput and OEE targets 

• Partner with Design on early DFM/DFA feedback; support tooling and fixture selection and poka-yoke; collaborate with Equipment and Controls on sequence of operations, process windows, and equipment performance 

• Define critical process parameters; develop and maintain PFMEAs and control plans; implement SPC and process capability (Cpk/Ppk) to reduce variation and sustain quality performance 

• Participate in FAT at supplier sites and SAT/site commissioning; define acceptance criteria, close process punch items, and support installation, commissioning, and production launch as the primary process technical resource 

• Own process performance through ramp with Production — optimize cycle time, line balance, and process parameters in real time to hit rate, yield, first-pass yield, and quality targets 

• Investigate quality escapes, yield loss, scrap and rework, and test or fallout failures; drive root-cause corrective actions (5-Why, Ishikawa, 8D, DMAIC, DOE/A3) and continuous improvement to Safety, Rate, Quality, Cost, and OEE 

• Create handover documentation (process specs, manufacturing instructions, validation and ramp reports, rework and NCM procedures) and train technicians and production personnel 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field, or equivalent experience 

• 5+ years of process, manufacturing, or industrial engineering experience in high-volume manufacturing (automotive, electronics, energy, robotics, or similar preferred), including hands-on factory-floor work and flexible support during launch and ramp 

• Experience developing and launching manufacturing processes from pilot or prototype through mass production, including process documentation, cycle time studies, production readiness, and change-point management 

• Experience with line and workstation layout, material flow, process and line balance, takt time, and capacity analysis for automated or semi-automated assembly lines 

• Exposure to FAT, installation, SAT/commissioning, and production ramp of manufacturing equipment or lines; experience writing process acceptance criteria and supporting vendor buy-off preferred 

• Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, SPC, process capability (Cpk/Ppk), MSA/Gage R&R, and Lean/Six Sigma methods (5S, kaizen, value-stream mapping) 

• Demonstrated track record investigating and improving quality and yield — including scrap and rework, fallout, first-pass yield, and process capability — using structured problem-solving and production data 

• Familiarity with BOMs, MES, specification management, and manufacturing data tools (SQL, Python, JMP, Minitab, Tableau) to turn quality and yield data into actionable process improvements 

• CAD proficiency for layouts and tooling review (AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar); familiarity with automation, robotics, fastening, dispense, joining, vision, or end-of-line test processes preferred 

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills; able to lead reviews and work effectively with Production, Quality, Equipment, Design, and vendors under changing priorities 

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)