Automation & Controls Development Engineer, Software, Terafab

About the role

Automation & Controls Development Engineer, Software, Terafab | Tesla (Terafab)

Location: Austin, Texas | Req ID: 269073 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI are partnering to launch the most epic chip-building effort ever – combining logic, memory, and advanced packaging under one roof. Terafab will close the gap between today's chip production and the future's demand – a future among the stars.

As an Automation & Controls Engineer, you'll pioneer advanced solutions – designing, integrating, and optimizing controls, software, and hardware – to boost efficiency, safety, and output in our cutting-edge factories. If you're driven to tackle complex problems with smart and innovative solutions, join us in redefining chip manufacturing.

This position is open across multiple levels. Level and title are based on your experience, skills, and overall qualifications during the interview process.

What You'll Do

• Create intuitive operator touchscreen interfaces using WinCC/Ignition/TwinCAT HMI and SCADA dashboards screens using Ignition/Grafana
• Develop robust control programs and sequences for precision material handling, pick-and-place, and automated transport
• Develop common frameworks for factory-level tracking, dashboarding, software libraries, integrations with MES, time-series databases, SPC, and ML
• Engineer and integrate interdisciplinary automation solutions - including electrical, mechanical, chemical, and software components
• Develop technical specifications for automation systems, including software, electrical, mechanical, and safety requirements
• Lead vendor interactions from requirements definition to factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), including up to 25% travel to vendor sites
• Foster strong collaboration with process, materials, production, facilities, and external vendor engineering teams to align automation solutions with production goals

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Programming experience in high-level languages (e.g. C++, C#, Python), PLC/Safety PLC systems (IEC 61131-3), and industrial robots
• Experience with Fieldbus networking (e.g., EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP)
• Knowledge of SECS/GEM, OPC-UA, or MQTT for data ingestion, equipment communication, and host-to-machine integration preferred
• Ability to work with SQL databases for querying, data management, and integration with industrial systems
• Hands-on skills in HMI/SCADA development using Ignition (or similar software)