Associate Equipment Engineer, Model 3

About the role

• Associate Equipment Engineer, Model 3 | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: Fremont, California | Req ID: 279544 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla's Model 3 General Assembly team is seeking an Associate Equipment Engineer to troubleshoot, develop, and optimize equipment, fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling for production. Based at our Fremont factory, this role ensures the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of equipment used in Production. The engineer will work with cross-functional teams, manage tooling designs, and drive initiatives to maximize overall equipment effectiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

What You'll Do

• Provide day-to-day coverage of production equipment, including robots, conveyors, auto fastening systems, and dispense/validation stations
• Respond to alarms, breakdowns, and production requests promptly to minimize downtime and ensure continuity
• Diagnose equipment failures, perform root cause analysis, and document corrective actions
• Own equipment health and uptime metrics — drive TPM, PM completion, and reliability improvements
• Develop and maintain Preventive Maintenance (PM) procedures and schedules, ensuring sustainable equipment performance
• Support major repairs, rebuilds, and retrofits during planned downtime or production breaks
• Collaborate with Controls, Process, and Test Engineering to address equipment issues, implement design changes, and improve OEE
• Participate in spare parts strategy and manage component reliability with vendors and maintenance engineering
• Design and implement equipment reliability improvement projects, focusing on hardware upgrades, improved component design, and operator ergonomics

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronic, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Experience in mechanical/electrical systems and custom machine-building
• Expertise in SolidWorks, automation systems, PLCs, robotics, and electromechanical components
• Familiarity with DFM, OEE, process validation, welding, CNC, and pneumatic systems
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Passionate about optimizing manufacturing equipment and processes, and be hands-on in manufacturing environment

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
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$84,000 - $126,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay 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.