Manufacturing Engineer, Equipment Design

About the role

• Manufacturing Engineer, Equipment Design | Tesla (Manufacturing)
• Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 274371 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to plan, organize, and drive the development, commissioning, and continuous improvement of complex custom manufacturing equipment within Tesla's Cell Manufacturing team. They will own equipment lifecycle management — from design and ramp through sustained production — ensuring lines operate safely, efficiently, and at the highest quality standards in a fast-paced, first-of-its-kind manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

• Drive design, development, and commissioning ramp of complex, custom-built manufacturing equipment unique to Tesla's Cell Manufacturing operations
• Own equipment fixtures and process kits — design, draft, and maintain full CAD ownership and revision lifecycle within SolidWorks PDM Professional
• Become the subject matter expert for assigned equipment, leading root cause analysis, detailed troubleshooting, and process improvement initiatives
• Troubleshoot and recover automated processes via PLC, HMI, or tool management software, and implement sustainable improvements
• Develop and manage FMEA risk assessments to prioritize equipment improvement projects and ensure robust repair strategies
• Lead safety and ergonomic improvements to production equipment, ensuring compliance with or exceeding applicable regulations and best practices
• Drive negotiation and participation in supplier and internal equipment buyoffs, ensuring equipment readiness before production deployment
• Build and maintain training materials, maintenance routines, and documentation to support full equipment lifecycle management

What You'll Bring

• Degree or equivalent experience in manufacturing, interdisciplinary, or integrated engineering
• 3D CAD design experience (SolidWorks preferred) including fixtures, tooling drawings, pneumatic and electrical schematics, and layout validation
• Demonstrated experience ramping automation equipment into manufacturing
• including web handling, electromechanical systems, PLCs, and motion controls
• Proven ability to solve complex electromechanical and software issues with limited documentation, using a structured, data-driven approach
• Experience with problem-solving tools such as RCCA, Fishbone diagrams, and statistical software (JMP a plus)
• Experience with robot programming, backup, and restoration a plus
• Experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing highly desired
• Excellent spoken and written English

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)