Simulation Engineer, Automation Development

What to Expect Tesla is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join a world-class team of engineers in our Automation Development organization. The Automation Development organization helps bring Tesla's vision to reality by designing and building the automated equipment that manufactures Tesla's world-class products. We focus on achieving the highest efficiency, manufacturing volume, and safety while proving performance through simulation. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence the performance and reliability of innovative automation equipment from concept through virtual validation, working with cutting-edge simulation platforms in a collaborative, high-impact environment. As a Simulation Engineer, you will lead simulation-driven design and virtual validation for high-volume automation systems. You'll bridge the gap between digital models and real-world execution by leveraging discrete-event simulation, robotics modeling, and digital twins to de-risk layouts, optimize robot performance, and validate control logic before any physical hardware is built. The ideal candidate will excel in a demanding and fast-paced environment, working as part of a strong, agile team to solve complex automation challenges using first-principles analysis and aggressive design optimization. What You'll Do Perform initial concepting simulations to analyze equipment layouts, cost, cycle times, and throughput performance using FlexSim, optimizing variables such as space, labor, and material flow Develop detailed simulations of robot cells to evaluate placement, reach, paths, tooling, payloads, collision avoidance, and cycle times using Fanuc RoboGuide Build and maintain high-fidelity digital-twin simulations using Siemens Process Simulate that enable virtual commissioning of PLC control logic Synchronize simulation models with real-world PLC behavior (TIA Portal/PLCSIM or equivalent) to validate sequences, I/O signals, and safety systems prior to physical deployment Design and implement custom modules or objects within simulation software to support complex automation and material-flow scenarios Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and process engineers to translate simulation insights into actionable design improvements Generate simulation reports, validation videos, performance metrics, and digital-twin documentation to support stakeholder reviews and engineering signoffs Drive adoption of simulation best practices and virtual commissioning workflows to reduce physical prototyping costs and accelerate equipment ramp-up Challenge assumptions in manufacturing and automation designs, basing recommendations on first-principles analysis and data-driven optimization What You'll Bring Engineering or equivalent experience 2+ years of hands-on experience in simulation engineering supporting industrial automation, custom equipment, or high-volume manufacturing projects Experience with FlexSim for discrete-event simulation, layout analysis, cycle-time evaluation, and throughput optimization Experience with Fanuc RoboGuide (or equivalent robotics simulation tools) for robot-cell modeling, offline path planning, reach studies, and cycle-time optimization Experience with Siemens Process Simulate (or equivalent digital-twin/virtual-commissioning platforms) for PLC logic validation and virtual commissioning Solid understanding of automation fundamentals, including robotics, material handling, conveyors, and control systems Experience interpreting CAD models, mechanical drawings, and basic PLC logic; ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on first-principles validation and quantitative decision-making Excellent communication skills to present complex simulation findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders Experience with scripting for simulation automation (FlexScript, C++, Python, or VBA), CAD integration, or additional tools such as Emulate3D is a plus 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.