Manufacturing Process Engineer, Metal Forming

What to Expect

This team is responsible for developing, qualifying, and industrializing manufacturing processes for stamping and metal forming — both for new shops and for modifications to existing shops. Through understanding program requirements and collaborating with cross-functional teams, this team ensures processes are capable, integrated, and able to meet Tesla’s quality, rate, and cost objectives.

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated Manufacturing Process Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can own process design from concept through production. You will use a first-principles approach to define how parts are made — including process parameters, shop layout, warehouse planning, batch size, packaging, and material flow within the shop.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, qualify, and optimize stamping and metal forming processes (stamping press, brake press, panel bender, laser) for new shops and for changes to existing shops

• Define and validate process parameters, dies, tooling, lubrication, and material handling to meet geometry, flatness, edge quality, cycle time, and process capability (Cpk)

• Plan shop layout, warehouse planning, batch size, packaging, and in-shop material flow so stamping and metal forming run as one capable process

• Partner with product design, tooling suppliers, quality, and operations on DFM/DFA, PFMEA, equipment/process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and industrialization of new designs

• Integrate automation — including robotics, PLCs, sensors, and vision systems — into the process to improve throughput, inspection, and material flow

• Troubleshoot process, tooling, and automation issues on the production floor; lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and put in permanent fixes that reduce scrap and downtime

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma — setup reduction, scrap reduction, yield, and waste minimization

• Support NPI and production ramp by transferring processes into manufacturing, writing work instructions and process controls, and training operators and technicians

• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing engineering on process requirements such as cycle time, layout, and tooling; support RFQs with process input through project phases

• Coordinate with Mechanical Design, Quality Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering; ensure processes meet safety, quality, and environmental requirements

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or equivalent experience

• Experience with manufacturing process engineering, process lines, and automation; experience with brake presses, panel benders, and lasers is a plus. Experience with layout planning, warehouse planning, material flow, batch size, and packaging

• Proficiency in CATIA, Solid Works, or AutoCAD

• Strong project and vendor management skills

• Strong understanding of equipment safety and safety compliance

• Proactive and results-driven in fast-paced, dynamic environments

• Organized and able to deliver tasks on time under tight deadlines

• Applies structured problem-solving methods to resolve engineering challenges

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to support equipment supplier visits, trials, and buyoffs