Controls Engineer, Cell Assembly

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to support the ramp of our 4680 Cell factory and contribute to the design of robust, stable equipment. This engineer will be at the forefront of controls technology, responsible for the advanced cell manufacturing equipment that produces Tesla's cutting-edge batteries.

The 4680 Cell is one of the most complex and challenging components designed and manufactured at Tesla, and this is an exciting opportunity to help build a world-class manufacturing facility right here in Austin. Tesla is a demanding, fast-paced environment, and this role owns a critical subsystem of some of our most exciting products.

The Controls Engineer will work with cross-functional teams throughout the entire lifecycle of the product and process, partnering closely with Quality and Production to bring new products from initial design through prototype development and into full production.

What You'll Do

• Ramp manufacturing lines, including mechanical automation equipment, robots, electromechanical systems, PLCs, motion control, and vision systems
• Program state machines for complex processes involving conveyor processing, multi-station parallel processing, stamping machines, data acquisition, and PID control
• Manage safety standards (ANSI/RIA15.06, OSHA) and implement reliable controls safety systems to safeguard robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment
• Define and manage a methodology for maintaining PLC code structure and backups, and design robust, stable, fault-tolerant systems with error handling and recovery
• Train technicians on the maintenance and repair of controls systems
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and pneumatic/fluid plumbing
• Interface with the Tesla Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and process variables
• Spearhead continuous improvement efforts to help build the most reliable and efficient cell manufacturing plant

What You'll Bring

• Degree or equivalent experience in an engineering discipline or equivalent (Controls and Computer Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field)
• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a mechanical/manufacturing controls engineer working on automation and/or electromechanical systems
• Advanced proficiency programming industrial equipment in IEC 61131-3 languages, with a focus on structured text and ladder logic
• Experience with automated warehousing systems, and implementing and maintaining databases
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff, Rockwell, and similar platforms, including safety PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.)
• Experience with HMI/GUI systems (AB PanelView, Ignition, TIA/WinCC, B&R, etc.)
• Experience with fieldbus networks (EtherCAT, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus, POWERLINK, RS-232, etc.), OPC UA, and integration with PLCs, SCADA, and MES systems
• Proficiency selecting and integrating circuit protection, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFDs, and servo systems
• Experience programming Cartesian, SCARA, and articulated robots (Fanuc, KUKA, etc.) preferred, along with vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, etc.)
• Experience with semi-automated/automated manufacturing equipment preferred

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

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.