Manufacturing Engineer, Process & Equipment Development

About the Role

Tesla is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to take end-to-end ownership of manufacturing systems, from pioneering prototype processes in R&D to designing, optimizing, and scaling them for high-volume, highly automated production. This role involves inventing and rapidly iterating novel processes and prototype equipment, then leading their translation into robust automation integrating robotics, machine vision, precision mechatronics, and intelligent controls. Success requires creative first-principles thinking, rapid prototyping capability, and rigorous data-driven execution.

Key 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 & Tech Stack

• 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.

Qualifications

• Creative first-principles thinking.
• Rapid prototyping capability.
• Rigorous data-driven execution.
• Collaboration with Product Design, Controls, Quality, and Operations teams.