Sr. Controls Engineer, Precision Machining, Optimus

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

What to Expect
Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Manufacturing Controls Engineer to join the Precision Machining, Optimus team in Lathrop, CA. The Sr. Manufacturing Controls Engineer is responsible for sustaining, improving, and integrating automated manufacturing equipment to the production line. They collaborate closely with equipment, quality, testing and process engineers to maintain existing automated equipment, troubleshoot PLC-based equipment, and identify opportunities for process enhancement through new automation components. With strong controls engineering fundamentals, the ideal candidate is independent, proactive, hands-on, and detail-oriented.

What You'll Do
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts using data-driven solutions to create a reliable and efficient manufacturing plant
  • Support production ramp-up by troubleshooting mechanical automation equipment, PLCs, robots, motion controls, and vision systems
  • Develop and maintain Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs software to optimize operator and maintenance technician experience and ensure high-quality production
  • Contribute to equipment conceptual development, considering product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead time
  • Create electrical schematics, optimize equipment for safety and efficiency, and update HMI systems for complex machinery
  • Address equipment issues, troubleshoot PLCs and robot-related production problems, and develop maintenance documentation and training materials
  • Drive continuous improvement of automated equipment to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost metrics
  • Participate in risk assessments and safety evaluations for equipment prior to launch
  • Support 24/7 production operations as needed

What You'll Bring
  • Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Computer Science, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience as a mechanical/manufacturing controls engineer working with automation and electromechanical systems
  • Advanced proficiency in programming industrial equipment using IEC 61131-3 languages, particularly structured text and ladder logic
  • Experience with PLCs (Siemens and Beckhoff a must. Allen Bradley is a plus but not required) and Safety PLCs (Siemens, SIMATIC Integrated Safety, TwinSAFE, PILZ)
  • Proficiency in Human Machine Interface (HMI)/SCADA systems (SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal), TwinCAT HMI, or Ignition SCADA), and experience with Grafana
  • Ability to select and integrate circuit protectors, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, and other components
  • Proficiency experience in programming robots (Fanuc 6+1 axis) and working with vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, IR Vision, etc.)
  • Proven troubleshooting skills, root cause analysis, and problem-solving under tight timing constraints
  • Knowledge of Ethernet communications (HTTP, MQTT, OPC), script-based programming (Python, C++, GO), motor drives (SEW EURODRIVE or AB PowerFlex), and field bus networks is a plus
  • Preferred working experience with tools such as Atlas Copco Fastening tools, Hipot Testers, CTS Leak Testers, etc.

Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
  • Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
  • Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation
$93,600 - $189,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.


Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...