Manufacturing Engineer, Process & Equipment Development

About the role

Manufacturing Engineer, Process & Equipment Development | Tesla (Manufacturing)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 274043 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to take end-to-end ownership of manufacturing systems in Palo Alto, CA — from pioneering prototype processes in R&D to designing, optimizing, and scaling them for high-volume, highly automated production.

You will invent and rapidly iterate novel processes and prototype equipment, then lead their translation into robust automation integrating robotics, machine vision, precision mechatronics, and intelligent controls.

You will drive process development, equipment specification and qualification, line design, vendor management, optimization, validation, technical transfer, and continuous improvement while collaborating closely with Product Design, Controls, Quality, and Operations teams. Success requires creative first-principles thinking, rapid prototyping capability, and rigorous data-driven execution.

What You'll Do

• In-house development of workstations, manufacturing equipment, and fixtures to support early-stage alpha/beta prototype builds
• Identification and documentation of manufacturing bottlenecks during R&D to influence high-volume equipment design
• Design, specification, procurement, construction, integration, and deployment of automated assembly equipment, robotics, inline vision systems, precision gauging, and end-of-line testing for medium- and high-volume production
• Development of new bespoke manufacturing processes from R&D through high-volume automation
• Design of production workstations for ergonomics, efficiency, and throughput
• Performance of process analysis, DOE, PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, control plans, line balancing, and capacity modeling
• Early Design for Manufacturing (DFM) collaboration with Product

Design teams to influence product architecture for high-volume manufacturability:

• Training of technicians and line operators in new manufacturing processes and equipment
• Leadership of data driven continuous improvement initiatives to improve yield
• Ownership of project timelines and technical transfer from development through steady-state production

What You'll Bring

• Experience developing mechanical equipment, fixturing, and tooling in a 3D CAD environment (SolidWorks, CATIA)
• Proven hands-on experience building early-stage functional prototypes and temporary bridge tooling
• Demonstrated success transitioning novel processes and equipment from low-volume R&D/prototype stages into high-volume, 24/7 automated manufacturing environments
• Experience introducing new equipment and new processes into a production environment
• Strong working knowledge of statistical data analysis, root-cause methodologies, DOE, and process optimization tools
• Knowledge of manufacturing fundamentals, mechanical design principles, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills with proven ability to manage technical requirements with international machine builders and vendors.

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$109,600 - $195,600/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.