Sr. Controls Design Engineer Tesla Motors, Inc. 104000 - 210000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Fremont Sep 25, 2026

What to Expect Controls Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, specification, and documentation of industrial automation, controls, and instrumentation systems. This role involves creating control system architectures, selecting and specifying devices and equipment, developing

PLC/HMI/SCADA

solutions, and producing complete design deliverables. This engineer will lead technical efforts across projects, ensure compliance with codes and standards, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and supports commissioning activities to deliver safe, reliable, and optimized control systems. What You'll Do

Design control systems and architectures, including integration of HMI, SCADA, PLC, VFDs, safety PLCs, network systems, and third-party packaged equipment

Specify instrumentation, control devices, panels, hardware, and related equipment

Produce all design deliverables, including drawings, models, and documentation, utilizing Revit and AutoCAD (control schematics, loop diagrams, network diagrams, panel layouts, installation details, and BIM coordination)

Establish and maintain automation, controls, and instrumentation design standards and best practices. Lead automation scope definition, execution strategies, and technical decision-making across projects

Oversee development and review of control philosophies, P&IDs, I/O lists, network architectures, logic designs, and related documents. Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, cybersecurity requirements, and safety regulations

Work closely with process design teams to develop process control narratives and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to ensure process systems operate safely and reliably.

Lead the development of greenfield PLC code with emphasis on organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code. PLC applications will interface with packaged equipment, life-critical safety systems, VFDs, motor starters, valves, PID loops, HVAC systems, and third-party equipment

Mentor and develop automation engineers, designers, and specialists

Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities (travel required as needed)

Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure designs meet project requirements, timelines, and budgets What You'll Bring

Proven experience in controls/system design, PLC programming, and industrial automation (7+ years)

Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for producing electrical/controls design deliverables and BIM coordination

Strong experience with PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), HMI/SCADA systems (Ignition), and industrial networking

Experience with safety systems (safety PLCs, SIL-rated devices) and functional safety standards.

Experience developing control narratives, P&IDs, I/O lists, and system architectures

Ability to travel for FATs, site installation, and commissioning

Strong problem-solving, organizational, and technical documentation skills

Excellent communication and collaboration abilities for cross-functional and stakeholder coordination

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

$104,000 - $210,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits Pay 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.