Manufacturing Engineer, Process & Equipment Development

Description:
Tesla is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to take
end-to-end ownership of manufacturing systems in Palo Alto, CA — from
pioneering prototype processes in R&D to designing, optimizing, and scaling
them for high-volume, highly automated production. You will invent and rapidly
iterate novel processes and prototype equipment, then lead their translation
into robust automation integrating robotics, machine vision, precision
mechatronics, and intelligent controls. You will drive process development,
equipment specification and qualification, line design, vendor management,
optimization, validation, technical transfer, and continuous improvement while
collaborating closely with Product Design, Controls, Quality, and Operations
teams. Success requires creative first-principles thinking, rapid prototyping
capability, and rigorous data-driven execution.

Responsibilities:
In-house development of workstations, manufacturing equipment, and
fixtures to support early-stage alpha/beta prototype builds
Identification and documentation of manufacturing bottlenecks
during R&D to influence high-volume equipment design
Design, specification, procurement, construction, integration, and
deployment of automated assembly equipment, robotics, inline vision systems,
precision gauging, and end-of-line testing for medium- and high-volume
production
Development of new bespoke manufacturing processes from R&D
through high-volume automation
Design of production workstations for ergonomics, efficiency, and
throughput
Performance of process analysis, DOE, PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams,
control plans, line balancing, and capacity modeling
Early Design for Manufacturing (DFM) collaboration with Product
Design teams to influence product architecture for high-volume
manufacturability
Training of technicians and line operators in new manufacturing
processes and equipment
Leadership of data driven continuous improvement initiatives to
improve yield
Ownership of project timelines and technical transfer from
development through steady-state production

Requirements:
Experience developing mechanical equipment, fixturing, and tooling
in a 3D CAD environment (SolidWorks, CATIA)
Proven hands-on experience building early-stage functional
prototypes and temporary bridge tooling
Demonstrated success transitioning novel processes and equipment
from low-volume R&D/prototype stages into high-volume, 24/7 automated
manufacturing environments
Experience introducing new equipment and new processes into a
production environment
Strong working knowledge of statistical data analysis, root-cause
methodologies, DOE, and process optimization tools
Knowledge of manufacturing fundamentals, mechanical design
principles, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Excellent cross-functional communication skills with proven ability
to manage technical requirements with international machine builders and
vendors.

Compensation & 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

Expected Compensation
$109,600 - $195,600/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.