Controls Technical Lead

About the role

• Controls Technical Lead | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 276672 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

• Tesla is seeking an experienced Controls Technical Lead to provide architectural direction and organizational leadership for the automation systems supporting the Optimus Gears manufacturing program.
• In this role, you will serve as the principal automation authority establishing robust controls frameworks, ensuring Tesla standards followed
• & proactively authoring new engineering standards where gaps exist. Manage commissioning strategy across various manufacturing lines. You will bridge the gap between engineering domains, collaborating with cross-functional teams Product
• Design, global equipment vendors, and Operations leadership to drive the long-term industrialization strategy for future manufacturing expansion.
• Travel expected 25% - Ability to travel domestically and internationally to suppliers as required.

What You'll Do

• Lead technical equipment reviews, author detailed automation specifications, and evaluate global supplier designs following Tesla’s control frameworks
• Define and establish the core controls architecture, software design patterns, and hardware deployment standards for advanced manufacturing lines
• Drive the end-to-end execution strategy for Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT), debugging infrastructure logic, and validation
• Provide direct technical direction, mentor controls engineering talent, and build a high-performing automation organization geared toward scalable operational excellence
• Oversee the deployment of complex robotics, safety networks, machine vision platforms, and MES interfaces to guarantee data-driven product traceability and cycle-time performance
• Spearhead the resolution of critical automation bottlenecks during pilot builds, high-pressure production ramps & Long-term OEE & Cycle

Time targets

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in

Engineering & Mechatronics discipline or equivalent experience

• 10+ years of deep industrial automation experience leading complex, large-scale factory launches within high-volume manufacturing environments
• Proven record of establishing architectural standards for enterprise-grade control platforms, specifically utilizing Beckhoff, Siemens, or Allen-Bradley

PLCs

• Strong working knowledge of industrial robotics, machine vision implementation, and high-precision automated assembly integration
• Expert-level understanding of industrial fieldbus topologies (EtherCAT, Profinet, or Ethernet/IP), advanced motion control, and integrated safety networking
• Demonstrated track record of technical leadership, supplier management, and fostering engineering talent through direct mentorship

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)