Controls Engineering Technician, Cybercab, Injection Molding

What to Expect

As a Controls Technician at Tesla, you will play a pivotal role in commissioning, programming, and optimizing robotic automation on injection molding machines to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in our fast-paced Cybercab Injection Molding shop. You will program and commission FANUC and KUKA robots integrated with ENGEL injection molding machines producing Cybercab components, along with supporting PLC and SCADA/HMI systems, collaborating closely with engineers and production teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and ensure seamless operations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a passion for innovation and sustainability. You thrive in dynamic environments, possess meticulous attention to detail, and excel at translating engineering concepts into actionable robot, controls, and process solutions. A proactive mindset, adaptability to evolving priorities, and a commitment to Tesla’s mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy are essential.

What You’ll Do

• Program, teach, commission, and optimize FANUC and ABB robots on ENGEL injection molding machines and trimming stations for Cybercab production, including paths, I/O, EOAT, interlocks, recipes, and safety logic for stable, high-throughput output

• Develop, document, improve, and train teams on Manufacturing Instructions for Cybercab Injection Molding, PUR, plastic part assembly, trimming stations, dimensional control, and equipment processes, requiring hands-on process knowledge and clear communication of critical details

• Support engineering activities such as designing, validating, and refining Cybercab manufacturing and automation processes—including robot and ENGEL press integration—to improve throughput and reduce waste

• Collaborate with all cross-functional teams, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering, to sustain and improve key process metrics

• Diagnose and resolve equipment, tooling, robot, controls, and workflow issues on FANUC/ABB robots, trimming stations, and ENGEL molding machines supporting Cybercab to minimize downtime

• Collect and analyze production data (e.g., cycle times, defect rates, alarms, downtime) to identify trends and recommend corrective actions

• Lead or support Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and Lean initiatives to eliminate bottlenecks; design, manage, deploy, and repair process tooling and parts

What You’ll Bring

• 4+ years of experience in robot programming/commissioning, injection molding automation, industrial controls, automotive manufacturing, or a related industry

• Hands-on experience programming and commissioning industrial robots (FANUC, ABB, and/or KUKA preferred) integrated with injection molding machines (ENGEL preferred)

• Working knowledge of PLC and SCADA/HMI systems used to support robot and molding machine operation, troubleshooting, and process control

• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, electrical/controls schematics, CAD models, and GD&T; familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or 5S methodologies

• Experience with automation data analysis (e.g., Excel) and advanced computer proficiency to rapidly learn robot teach pendants, PLC/HMI software, and new applications

Essential Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day

• Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain

• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push, and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs

• Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift, and reach to install parts

• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist, and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day

• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding, or other high structures

• Ability to identify issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing

• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, and bump cap, and adhere to prescribed safety rules and guidelines