Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer, General Assembly & Test, Optimus

About the role

Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer, General Assembly & Test, Optimus | Tesla (Manufacturing)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 277912 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Staff Manufacturing Engineer to build and lead a team of engineers focused on high-volume production launches. This role will drive the development of scalable manufacturing systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize product designs for manufacturability, accelerate assembly processes, and implement automation solutions. In this fast-paced, demanding environment, you’ll play a pivotal role in scaling Tesla’s SI robotics initiatives while advancing our mission to achieve sustainable abundance through innovative manufacturing practices.

What You'll Do

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering Team: Build, mentor, and scale high-performing teams to design and deploy high-volume production systems, ensuring alignment with Tesla’s speed and quality objectives
• Collaborate with Equipment Suppliers: Partner with internal and external suppliers to engineer, install, and validate production equipment, accelerating line ramp-up to meet volume targets
• Validate Requirements and Constraints: Use first principles analysis to rigorously assess product and process requirements, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring all elements are purpose-driven and essential
• Optimize Production Processes: Identify and remove non-value-added steps in workflows, prioritizing functional simplicity before pursuing automation or advanced optimization
• Improve Cycle Time: Analyze production bottlenecks and implement solutions to increase process speed, throughput, and overall line efficiency
• Deploy Automation Solutions: Strategically integrate automation as a final step after process simplification, ensuring systems are robust, high-speed, and scalable
• Ensure Seamless Operational Transitions: Coordinate with operations teams during ramp-up phases, delivering detailed documentation and training to sustain engineering teams for long-term success

What You'll Bring

• First Principles Thinking: A rigorous mindset focused on breaking down complex problems to their fundamental truths, enabling innovative solutions to manufacturing challenges
• Proficiency in CAD tools (Catia and AutoCAD preferred) for designing and optimizing production systems
• Deep knowledge of mechanical assembly techniques (pressing, fastening, harnessing, etc.) and electrical integration, including quality control matrices, testing protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies
• Familiarity with torque tools, automation equipment, control systems, and communication protocols (e.g., PLC, HMI, SCADA)
• Production Transition Experience: Demonstrated success in scaling products from prototype to high-volume production, ensuring seamless handover to sustaining teams
• Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Communication & Organization: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, paired with meticulous attention to detail and a highly organized approach to documentation and process handover
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering, or equivalent experience

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$156,000 - $276,000/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.