Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus

About the role

Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus | Tesla (Manufacturing)

Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 281494 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

In this role, you will define and execute manufacturing processes for plastic components on the Optimus program. You will own injection tooling from design through qualification, bring manufacturing constraints into product design, and scale molding processes that meet quality, cosmetic, and production targets. Your work enables Optimus hardware builds and long-term manufacturing capacity.

What You'll Do

• Perform advanced DFM, evaluate part feasibility, and drive design changes that protect manufacturability
• Lead design, construction, and full qualification of plastic injection tooling to design and cosmetic specifications
• Apply first-principles analysis to resolve non-standard manufacturing constraints
• Define and optimize molding processes with data to hit quality and output targets
• Support engineering builds and confirm process scalability for volume production
• Develop CAPEX plans and RFQs for prototype and production tooling
• Partner with Design and Quality to set and refine part appearance standards
• Deliver tooling and process solutions that enable new product and technology concepts

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 4+ years hands-on injection mold development and process qualification for high-precision, high-volume parts
• Proficiency in CATIA, mold-flow simulation, and scientific molding methods
• Applied knowledge of plastic resins, tool steels and alloys, DFM/DFA, and GD&T
• Experience with SPC, DOE, and data-driven process optimization
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills with internal teams and external vendors under minimal guidance

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)