Sr. Controls Engineer

About the role

• Sr. Controls Engineer | Tesla (Construction & Facilities)
• Location: AUSTIN, Texas | Req ID: 264999 | Job Type: Full-time
• What to Expect

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems for the infrastructure at Tesla's Gigafactory Austin. This includes all utilities and building systems that support the manufacturing process and make us a state-of-the-art factory.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, facilities, engineering and construction to ensure that control systems are integrated and optimized for maximum efficiency, reliability, and safety. We’re seeking highly motivated candidates, who are willing to challenge the status quo and drive change to make an impact.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for utilities, building systems, and critical facilities (HVAC, electrical, process utilities, life-safety) that support manufacturing operations; integrate into BMS for visibility, alarms, and trends
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and facilities teams to define requirements, create system architectures, layout electrical/pneumatic schematics, and develop detailed utility layouts for assembly lines and process tools
• Architect, write, and debug organized, structured, documented PLC ladder logic; generate clear Ignition-based HMI screens that support troubleshooting and operational feedback
• Implement ANSI/RIA 15.06 / OSHA-compliant control-reliable safety systems and ensure new facilities/process-tool designs meet the latest controls and instrumentation standards
• Create system interactions with the plant-wide MOS to communicate status, process variables, and infrastructure health; maintain control-system capacity for future manufacturing demands
• Troubleshoot, debug, optimize, and validate control systems and automated processes using data-driven methods to maximize uptime, cycle time, reliability, and efficiency
• Drive energy-efficiency, sustainability, and reliability initiatives; document systems thoroughly and work cross-functionally throughout the full lifecycle of facilities and production-support systems

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Software Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in control systems design, implementation, and maintenance, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting
• Very strong programming knowledge of PLCs and HMIs in Siemens TIA Portal. Knowledge of programming SCADA systems, preferably Ignition. Familiarity with industry-standard control system protocols such as Profinet, Modbus, RS232/485, BACnet
• Strong experience with high-level programming languages such as C++, Python or Java and knowledge of data structures and algorithms
• Solid understanding of sensors and their underlying working principles. Good knowledge of sensor setup, commissioning, and calibration
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex control system issues
• The ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities and deadlines. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

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)