Automation Development Manager

About the role

• Automation Development Manager | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 273949 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla's Optimus program is building a future of sustainable abundance — and we need a proven leader to build the team that builds the machines. As the Automation Team Leader, you'll establish and grow a high-performing, multidisciplinary automation team in Austin, Texas, from the ground up. You'll be at the center of one of the most ambitious manufacturing launches in Tesla's history, and likely the world’s, driving rapid equipment development and deployment on the Optimus production line.

You'll hire and develop a team of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, controls engineers, technical program managers, and skilled technicians and machinists — then lead them through the fast-paced, high-stakes demands of a factory launch. Beyond Optimus, your team will design and build custom automation equipment for other areas of Tesla, creating opportunities to broaden capabilities and make a company-wide impact.

What You'll Do

• Hire, develop, and manage a multidisciplinary team that designs, builds, programs, and upgrades custom automation equipment
• Partner with the Optimus factory and manufacturing teams to deliver rapid, high-quality equipment changes that keep the production line moving
• Manage team capacity and collaborate with other internal automation teams to efficiently share resources across programs
• Define clear expectations and drive accountability, continuously raising the bar on design quality and manufacturing solutions
• Guide the team on first-principles design concepts to develop simple, novel, robust, and cost-effective machine designs
• Establish and own aggressive project timelines and resource assignments, maintaining execution quality through frequently shifting scopes and schedules
• Build a culture of excellence by reinforcing high performance, coaching underperformance directly and constructively, and fostering a mentoring environment where engineers and technicians can grow
• Lead process improvement efforts and develop team standards and training programs in collaboration with other automation groups across Tesla
• Travel as required to support other Tesla factories and automation teams

What You'll Bring

• 10+ years of hands-on experience developing custom automation equipment from concept through production
• 5+ years of people management experience leading teams of engineers and/or technicians in a technical environment
• Proven track record of developing automation equipment from a formal specification to a production-ready system
• Direct experience owning the full equipment launch cycle into a live production environment
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or equivalent), or equivalent experience

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)