Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer, Optimus Plastics

What to Expect

The Plastic Shop ME Controls team at Gigafactory Texas exists to land new plastics manufacturing equipment that runs to rate — and to make the next line easier than the last. We work side by side with Manufacturing Engineering on controls, electrical, and automation from design through commissioning, covering injection molding machines (IMM), material supply, and the automation that surrounds them.

We are part of Vehicle Manufacturing Controls Development Engineering. Our core responsibility is to bridge local operations and vendors, translating Plastic Shop requirements into equipment that meets local standards, integrates cleanly, and hands over cleanly to sustaining. We also own the control-system backbone of the shop: raising the standard of what is already running, keeping lines consistent, and making sure knowledge travels with the equipment.

This role is dedicated to U.S. Plastic Shop projects and spans the full project lifecycle — RFQ, vendor assessment, design, concept evaluation, commissioning, buyoff, and ramp. The right person brings a working understanding of the IMM process, is drawn to execution, and is ready to be on the floor when the line needs it.

What You’ll Do

• Own PLC architecture from first draft through debug — structured, documented, and reusable code that interfaces with IMM controllers, dryers and blenders, robots, conveyors, MES, vision, and third-party equipment
• Build control-reliable safety systems (ANSI/RIA 15.06 / OSHA) for IMM cells, robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume equipment
• Design HMIs that make a complex molding cell readable on the floor, with process and fault feedback so operators and technicians can recover without a controls engineer at the press
• Engage from the start: review equipment concepts with Manufacturing Engineering and contribute controls, electrical, and automation input into the RFQ
• Troubleshoot high-speed automation lines for downtime issues and support during ramp to ensure stable, reliable production performance
• Commission and start up equipment with a bias for rate, without compromising safety
• Establish test plans and control test plan execution at Vendor and at Tesla facility during installation and buy-off

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in PLC, HMI, and debugging mechatronic systems
• Good to have exposure to Injection molding and plastics communication protocols
• Exposure to programming microcontrollers and motor controllers – Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, SEW are the primary equipment brands used in the factory
• Exposure to programming robots online and offline – Fanuc, Kuka, and ABB are the primary brands used in the factory
• Proficiency with CAD (AutoCAD, CATIA, Solid Works, CATIA) is a plus
• Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines
• Some travel is expected - e.g. for vendor visits, equipment installation and commissioning