Associate Maintenance Manager, Solar Manufacturing

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a Maintenance Associate Manager to lead a maintenance team across an assigned area of solar manufacturing operations (Ingot, Wafer, Cell, or Module). You will help deploy 100GW of solar manufacturing from raw materials. This role owns equipment availability, team performance, and the execution of maintenance strategy for the area - driving results through supervisors and technicians on breakdown management, PM/TPM program development, spare parts strategy, and team training. Tesla is a demanding and fast-paced environment where you will work with a highly motivated team on extremely challenging projects.

What You’ll Do

• During launch of this greenfield facility, lead area readiness for functional testing, equipment and product testing, LOTO reviews and safety sign-offs, and work instruction development

• Own area equipment availability and OEE contribution; develop systems to track current conditions and identify key areas of improvement

• Drive breakdown management: ensure clear separation of short-term recovery and long-term corrective actions, with systems to prevent repeat occurrences

• Lead PM/TPM program development and implementation; track and drive measurable compliance improvements

• Lead, coach, and develop maintenance supervisors and leads; assess skill sets, build training action plans, and drive engagement, retention, and a culture of ownership

• Own equipment spare parts strategy for the area (critical vs. non-critical determination and audit methods); coordinate with the Spares Lead and Material Planners on parts availability

• Partner with engineering on equipment upgrades, commissioning, and reliability improvement projects; ensure team safety training is current and EHS incidents and workplace hazards are addressed

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in maintenance or equipment management, including 3+ years in a leadership role

• Proven experience in all facets of automated manufacturing maintenance, including PM/TPM development, breakdown management, and spare parts strategy

• Strong technical knowledge of equipment, products, and processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment

• Experience managing maintenance teams through a CMMS (Flux, SAP PM, Maximo, or equivalent)

• Excellent communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills with a willingness to engage in hands-on work; demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and department leaders

• Experience with PLC platforms and robotic systems preferred; RCM/precision maintenance, CMRP, and ownership of maintenance KPIs (OEE, MTBF, MTTR, PM Compliance) preferred; high-volume semiconductor, solar, battery, or automotive background preferred

• Capability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally; travel will vary based on launch timing