Controls Engineer, Cell Manufacturing

About the role

• Controls Engineer, Cell Manufacturing | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: San Diego, California | Req ID: 268679 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead a small team in innovating and maintaining advanced control systems for manufacturing and facilities equipment, accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. We're looking for passionate experts with proven experience in controls engineering, automation, and team leadership to ensure seamless technical integration, foster cross-team collaboration, and drive strategic operational excellence. Primary location: San Diego, CA with minimal travel.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development of control systems for battery cell manufacturing (e.g., electrode coating and cell assembly) and facilities (e.g., HVAC)
• Ensure control systems meet precision, repeatability, and safety requirements
• Collaborate with various engineering and management teams to align control systems with broader project goals
• Manage project schedules, resources, and budgets to deliver control solutions on time and within scope
• Coach and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence
• Set team goals, conduct performance reviews, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in automation and controls, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Experience with industrial control systems (Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
• Proficiency in Structured Text (ST) programming for PLCs
• Experience in SCADA development using Ignition by Inductive Automation
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a safety-first mindset
• Experience with complex equipment automation (e.g., winders, calendaring machines, vision systems, and HVAC) is strongly preferred

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$87,020 - $185,820/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.