Controls Engineer, Power Electronics

Tesla•Lathrop, CA

About The Position

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Controls Engineer to join our Power Electronics Production Engineering team and play a pivotal role in sustaining and improving advanced manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced, automated environment. The ideal candidate has practical experience, a high aptitude for learning and adapting quickly, and a track record of driving continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving and controls development. Engineers who thrive in a collaborative environment, motivated to work closely with cross-functional teams and engage with Maintenance Technicians in order to drive operational efficiency, are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Science, or equivalent experience
Minimum 3 years of experience in an automated, fast-paced manufacturing environments, including exposure to safety best practices and change management systems
Proficiency in programming industrial equipment using IEC 61131-3 languages, particularly structured text and ladder logic. Experience with PLCs (Siemens is a must, Beckhoff is preferred) and safety implementation (Siemens, SIMATIC Integrated Safety, TwinSAFE, PILZ). Working familiarity with robot programming and troubleshooting (preferably FANUC) is a plus
Knowledge in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, and selecting and integrating circuit protection, sensors, safety hardware, servos, PLC hardware, and other components
Experience commissioning and improving automated manufacturing equipment. Demonstrated track record of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement, strong problem-solving skills, and an aptitude for learning systems quickly.  Knowledge of structured problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC, Ishikawa, Five Why (5W) or Eight Disciplines (8D)
Capacity for self-motivation and good judgment, comfort with managing a broad scope of responsibilities with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, complemented by proven project management experience
Willingness to work flexible hours, including shift work on nights and weekends as required by business needs

Responsibilities

Sustain 24/7 manufacturing operations, utilizing working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems to respond to escalations and quickly resolve equipment failures or address quality concerns.
Employ structured problem-solving techniques to contain, root-cause, and eliminate failure modes
Take ownership of manufacturing processes, analyzing performance metrics and optimizing equipment to maximize safety and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), driving world-class process quality and manufacturing capacity.
Collaborate with Equipment, Process, and Quality Engineers to drive continuous improvement projects to optimize production line serviceability, reliability, throughput, and process capability
Lead the design, development, and deployment of automated equipment upgrades or installation, coordinating with internal teams or external integrators.
Develop and maintain Siemens and Beckhoff PLC and HMI software to optimize production capability and improve operator experience
Maintain key documentation, including electrical schematics, for the automated systems.
Integrate safety systems to ensure the safe operation of the equipment and conduct risk assessments for equipment under development and lead safety buyoffs before launch
Partner with Maintenance Technicians on servicing and improving automated equipment.
Collaborate on the implementation or improvement of Preventive and Corrective Maintenance procedures and provide training on the critical skills necessary for controls recovery and modification

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