Automation Controls Engineer, Cathode Advanced Manufacturing

About the role

Automation Controls Engineer, Cathode Advanced Manufacturing | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 263644 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Automation Controls Engineers are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems across materials processing and manufacturing operations, ensuring the smooth operation of systems around the clock.

This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design, operations, and maintenance, to implement improvements, resolve system issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The position requires expertise in manufacturing controls, particularly for equipment used in material conveyance, milling, mixing, pressing, dryers, kilns, and robotic systems.

In addition to supporting day-to-day operations, Automation Controls Engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining equipment control standards, programming hardware and robots, and actively assisting with the commissioning and review processes for new projects. Additional duties include conducting audits, managing installations, and performing safety assessments to ensure all systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Do

• Program and debug control logic using structured text, ladder logic, and function block diagrams on PLC systems (Siemens, Beckhoff, B&R)
• Develop code that adheres to established standards, ensuring it is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable
• Design and implement robust programs and control sequences for complex, multi-station machinery involved in processes such as material conveyance, milling, mixing, pressing, drying, kiln operations, and robotics
• Create intuitive Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) using platforms such as Siemens WinCC, Beckhoff TCHMI, and others
• Set up, troubleshoot, and tune servo systems and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for consistent and reliable operational performance (ABB, Siemens, Schneider, B&R, SEW)
• Design and implement reliable safety control systems to protect robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including Root Cause Investigations (RCIs), by identifying and implementing corrective actions (e.g., optimizing control sequences, enhancing equipment interfaces)
• Manage suppliers during specification, design, buyoff and installation of automated manufacturing equipment

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or at least 5 years of experience in sustaining or designing control systems, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency with PLC systems with preference given to Siemens, Beckhoff, or B&R platforms
• Experience with Human Machine Interfaces (HMI/GUI) including WinCC, TCHMI, and Ignition
• Proficiency creating P&ID drawings and detailed electrical and mechanical schematics using CAD tools (EPLAN preferred)
• Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) programming skills

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)