Process Engineer, Optimus Academy

About the role

• Process Engineer, Optimus Academy | Tesla (Tesla SI)
• Location: Fremont, California | Req ID: 275357 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

The Process Engineer for Optimus will lead the development and documentation of the manufacturing and academy collections launch playbook, establishing robust processes that enable scalable data collection operations.

This role serves as the primary technical resource bridging collection leadership, manufacturing, AP Engineering, Equipment Engineering, and training teams to translate evolving priorities into clear, executable standard work instructions for the production floor.

The ideal candidate will combine hands-on process engineering expertise with strong cross-functional collaboration skills to support launch readiness and drive continuous improvement across a 24/7 collection operation.

What You'll Do

• Develop, document, and implement robust processes for Optimus data collection, covering equipment and software use, including process flows, work instructions, cycle-time studies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support operational ramp
• Provide hands-on support on the production floor, troubleshooting process issues in real time to minimize downtime, hold throughput targets, and serve as the primary process technical resource through launch and ramp
• Lead the development and documentation of the manufacturing and academy collections launch playbook, ensuring alignment across collection processes for both current and future operations
• Drive process readiness with cross-functional teams including AP Engineering, Project Management, Production Shop leadership, Training, and Equipment Engineering to ensure processes are feasible, efficient, and capable of meeting data collection goals
• Apply first-principles thinking and structured problem-solving methods (8D, A3, fishbone, DoE) to investigate and resolve process issues, reducing scrap, rework, cycle time, and cost
• Monitor process performance, analyze data-collection trends, and implement improvements to hit yield, throughput, and cost targets while driving continuous improvement against critical KPIs: safety, people, accuracy, rate, and cost
• Support qualification and validation of data-collection equipment, fixtures, and tooling while collaborating with Equipment Design Engineering, Training, and Operations to optimize equipment performance, uptime, and cycle time

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing process engineering, production support, or operations engineering roles
• Proven ability to develop technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, and process flows for production environments
• Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated experience using structured methodologies (8D, A3, root cause analysis, DOE)
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, training, and project management teams to drive process readiness and launch activities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and evolving hardware/software systems
• Flexibility to support 24/7 collection operations across multiple sites with willingness to travel as needed

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$84,000 - $156,000/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.