Job Description
What to Expect Tesla is seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and forward-thinking Associate Manager, Controls Engineering to help define and execute the future of LFP cell manufacturing. This role is instrumental in architecting, developing, and scaling the control systems and automation infrastructure that drive the production of Tesla's next-generation battery cell technologies. This is not just an engineering role, it's a technical leadership opportunity to own the end-to-end controls and automation strategy for some of the most innovative energy storage technologies in the world. The role leads the design, development, and optimization of control systems, motion/servo architectures, and automation platforms for cutting-edge battery cell production lines, and drives long-term controls architecture strategy, standardizing PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial networking frameworks to influence the scalability, flexibility, and reliability of Tesla's core cell technologies. It requires close cross-functional collaboration with Design, Process, Production, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure a seamless, controls-validated transition from cell concept to mass production, as well as partnership with global OEM and automation suppliers to deliver high-performance, tightly-controlled manufacturing tools that meet Tesla's aggressive quality, speed, and cost targets. What You'll Do Oversee the development of advanced machine safety and functional safety systems (safety PLCs, safety-rated I/O, interlocks, LOTO, arc-flash mitigation), mentor others, and drive a long-term safety culture in compliance with
OSHA, ISO, T
ÜV, NFPA-70E, IEC 61508/62061, and ISO 13849
Define and own the controls architecture and standards across production lines, PLC/PAC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Siemens/Beckhoff), HMI/SCADA, industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT), and motion/servo and drive systems Proficient in Agile methodologies, OKRs, and management of high-performing controls teams. Able to support 24/7 sustaining operations with robust controls coverage, remote diagnostics, and rapid recovery strategies. Consistently improves and optimizes operations across safety, people, accuracy, rate, and cost Lead cross-functional projects (RCA, OCAPs, NPI, CAPA) to improve process and product efficiency by integrating automation, closed-loop control, machine vision, and predictive analytics Knowledgeable in SPC, capability analysis, and quality methods (DMAIC, 8D), process change management, and risk-based control design (PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, Risk Assessments) Lead the design and implementation of control programs for entire industrial systems, integrating advanced control algorithms (PID, closed-loop, model-based), high-speed data acquisition and logging (historians, time-series databases), and optimization techniques to improve cycle times, throughput, and yield Program-manage the development and optimization of automated equipment and controls for high-volume manufacturing, delivering real-time data feedback, in-line metrology integration, traceability, and error-proofing (poka-yoke) mechanisms Clearly define expectations for the controls engineering team that improve overall manufacturing line performance (OEE, uptime, first-pass yield) and provide engineering mechanisms for 24/7 controls coverage Drive controls and automation improvement activities from inception through closure using the engineering resources on the team Field and coordinate team response to emergent issues (equipment downtime, controls faults, yield excursions, failures) with structured triage and rapid root-cause resolution What You'll Bring Degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related Engineering discipline, or equivalent experience 7+ years of relevant experience in controls engineering, automation, and manufacturing equipment development, ideally in interdisciplinary/integrated engineering and process development environments Hands-on expertise with PLC/PAC programming, HMI/SCADA development, servo/motion control, industrial networking, and instrumentation/sensing for automated production equipment Working understanding of lithium-ion battery technology, material selection, fabrication, cell design, assembly, testing, and failure mode analysis, and how it drives controls and process-control requirements. Hands-on experience with Li-ion cell product development is a strong plus Background in the design, commissioning, and ramp of automated equipment for high-volume products, including OEM integration and acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) Evidence of deep understanding of controls and engineering fundamentals and the ability to apply them to manufacturing process development, including transferring technologies and control strategies from R&D into mass production Proven ability to manage multiple projects, problem-solve, and make decisions to meet deliverables amid changing requirements, deadlines, and priorities Exceptional technical communication (live reporting, written documentation, and data presentation) 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 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.
