Controls Engineer, Optimus Charger

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to contribute to development, optimization, and continuous improvement of existing automation equipment and assembly lines. This is an exciting opportunity to build a world class manufacturing facility right here in the Bay Area. Tesla is a demanding and fast-paced environment where you will work on a critical subsystem of incredibly exciting products. The Controls Engineer will be expected to have sound controls engineering fundamentals and be comfortable
troubleshooting PLC-based equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build aesthetic HMI screens for complex machinery, ensuring clear diagnostic feedback
• Develop organized, documented, and reusable PLC ladder logic code following Tesla’s programming standards
• Create, review, and approve electrical schematics (in house or external) and maintain the associated documentation
• Lead equipment design reviews and act as the technical liaison with production, maintenance, and IT teams
• Support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of control systems on production equipment
• Drive continuous process optimization and implement corrective actions to improve cycle time and uptime
• Establish and execute test plans, risk assessments, and control system validation activities
• Maintain backup, version control, and ongoing improvement of PLC and Ignition SCADA programming standards
• Develop and deliver training programs and maintenance documentation for end users and support staff
• Serve as the point of contact for supplier/equipment buy offs and for any occasional on call or weekend support required

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechatronics, Control Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years hands on experience as an Automation & Control or Robotics Engineer on electromechanical systems
• Proficiency with PLC programming and troubleshooting on Allen Bradley (Control Logix/Compact Logix) and Siemens (Simatic Manager/TIA Portal); Beckhoff a plus
• Strong HMI development skills; Ignition SCADA preferred, Simatic HMI/Factory Talk a plus
• Familiarity with Fanuc or Kuka robot programming and integration with external control platforms
• Experience with AGV/AMR commissioning, vision systems (Keyence, Sick, Cognex), and SQL/scripting for reporting
• Competence in creating electrical schematics using Auto

CAD Electrical or EPLAN:

• Knowledge of production quality metrics, LEAN methodology, and high volume manufacturing deployment
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with a proven ability to present technical programs to diverse audiences
• Bonus: Linux, Docker, and embedded control system experience