Staff Manufacturing Controls Engineer, Optimus

Staff Manufacturing Controls Engineer, Optimus Tesla Motors, Inc. 140,000 - 210,000 USD paid holidays, flex time, 401(k) United States, California, Fremont May 07, 2026
What to Expect
Tesla is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Controls Engineer for the Optimus Manufacturing team to be part of a world-class team of engineers responsible for designing and building the automation and robotics equipment at the Tesla factories. As a Staff Manufacturing Controls Engineer, you are responsible for driving a team of engineers and technicians to deploy programmable logic controllers (PLCs) solutions that improve machine reliability, uptime, and performance. This includes providing support activities during machine design, retools, code updates, installations, debugging, testing, and configurations. The candidate will structure equipment data to help validate changes and improve performance of the manufacturing process. They will organize cross functional meetings and use data to drive priorities for the team to improve OEE. They will work closely with cross functional teams through product design iterations and execute strategies to grow manufacturing capabilities. There will be occasional support of night shift and weekend shifts as needed. What You'll Do
Architect, write, and debug PLC and Script based controls systems with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Operations System (MOS), LabView, machine vision, and 3rd party equipment
Use machine data to improve OEE with a focus on equipment availability, quality, and safety
Deploy and manage SCADA and HMI screens for complex lines and machines
Support maintenance in troubleshooting downtime by using Controls and Electrical engineering skills
Train operators, maintenance, and engineers to best practices around machines under your scope
Manage engineers and technicians to execute on product build plans and efficiency
Manage change control with cross functional teams and validation with PLC fleet What You'll Bring
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls and Computer Control Systems, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
Experience programming Cartesian, SCARA and Articulated robots is highly desired (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Epson)
Expert knowledge or experience with Vision, Conveyance, Industrial Robots, and PLCs
5+ years of hands-on mechanical and electrical experience in a production environment
2+ years of leadership experience, including management of direct reports
Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively achieve positive results with cross functional teams and vendors, meeting timelines and budgets
Able to maintain organization and focus in a highly dynamic environment. Excellent communicator, both in presentations and written reports 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
Expected Compensation
$140,000 - $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.