Process Controls & Automation Manager

About the role

Process Controls & Automation Manager | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: Austin, Texas | Req ID: 270512 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Imagine a world where infinite clean energy isn’t a promise, it’s a reality. Enabling abundant, clean energy production requires a complex supply of refined materials that are to become the backbone of Tesla’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. Tesla’s Refining Technology Team is responsible for the implementation of production processes at never-before-seen scale.

If you’re a highly motivated and purpose-driven Process Controls and Automation Lead ready to solve problems that have never been solved before, this is your moment. Join us in turning the sun’s power into the world’s most abundant, accessible energy source.

What You'll Do

• Build, lead, and mentor a team of specialized Controls Engineers (including Area Leads and Safety Systems Engineers) to deliver a fully integrated, plant-wide automation system
• Own the overall automation project schedule, budget, and resource allocation, ensuring the controls scope stays on track from basic engineering through commissioning and startup
• Oversee the high-level architecture and seamless integration of the Distributed Control System (DCS), Safety Instrumented System (SIS), Fire & Gas System (FGS), and third-party PLCs across the facility
• Manage external automation vendors, system integrators, and EPC contractors, driving accountability for quality, cost, and strict adherence to project milestones (including FAT and SAT)
• Act as the primary automation representative in cross-functional project leadership meetings, aligning controls execution with process design, mechanical completion, and operational readiness timelines
• Drive the standardization of control philosophies, HMI design, and alarm management across all process areas to ensure a unified and highly operable plant
• Identify project roadblocks, mitigate technical and schedule risks, and present clear business case justifications for automation-related technoeconomic trade-offs to executive leadership

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Control Systems Engineering or equivalent experience
• 10-15+ years of experience in industrial automation, with a minimum of 5 years in project management or direct leadership role executing large-scale capital projects
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex automation scopes from conceptual design through site commissioning
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and coordinate a team of highly skilled engineers working across multiple process areas
• Deep technical understanding of large-scale DCS implementations (Emerson DeltaV preferred), SIS (IEC 61511), and industrial network architectures
• Excellent project management skills, including proficiency with scheduling tools, bid leveling, and vendor management
• Experience in a large-scale chemical operating plant, refinery, or manufacturing site
• Comfortable traveling up to 50% of the time to coordinate with engineering offices, vendors, and the construction site