Sr. Operational Excellence Engineer

Description

The Senior Operational Excellence Engineer drives enterprise-wide Lean transformation and continuous improvement across the distribution network. This hands-on change agent partners with Operations, Engineering, and cross-functional stakeholders to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, standardize best practices, and scale high-impact solutions. The ideal candidate combines proven Lean Six Sigma expertise, strong project leadership, and a passion for operational excellence, digital innovation (including Generative AI), and delivering sustainable business results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across multiple distribution centers, facilitating Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, Gemba walks, and DMAIC-based problem-solving to eliminate waste and optimize performance
• Develop, manage, and sustain high-impact projects from initiation through implementation and benefits realization
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and stakeholders to standardize, document, and deploy best practices and operational excellence tools network-wide
• Conduct operational assessments to uncover opportunities in productivity, quality, cost reduction, process optimization, and automation of repetitive tasks
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by coaching teams, building Lean capabilities, and promoting standardized processes and management systems
• Leverage Generative AI, Large Language Models, and digital tools to enhance knowledge management, data accessibility, workflows, and data-driven decision-making
• Track project performance, key metrics, and realized benefits while traveling as needed to support site assessments, workshops, training, and implementations

Requirements

• Degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Supply Chain Engineering, or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability 
• 5+ years of experience in largecscale Lean Transformation or Continuous Improvement/Engineering roles
• 2+ years of Distribution Center operations experience, including successfully leading multiple Kaizen events
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required
• Proven ability to drive measurable, sustainable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and process efficiency
• Strong facilitation, coaching, change management, and cross-functional leadership skills
• Experience applying digital technologies, data analytics, automation, and emerging tools such as Generative AI to operational challenges

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