Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer, Automation & Data Systems, Fremont Central Manufacturing Engineering

Tesla•Fremont, CA

1d•$88,000 - $156,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer, Automation & Data Systems position is located at our Fremont Factory location. The primary responsibility of this role is to apply first principles thinking to design, develop, and maintain core controls systems that bridge manufacturing gaps. This involves innovating automation and data architectures grounded in electrical design fundamentals, software development principles, data systems architecture, control system theory, and cybersecurity to mitigate threats—tackling complex, real-world challenges in a fast-paced environment that demands creative problem-solving and continuous learning. It includes integrating PLC/SCADA with advanced manufacturing and energy systems for physics-driven optimization of production processes, plus creating scalable systems for functionality enhancements, quality inspection, and real-time process optimization.

Requirements

Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent relevant industry experience
2-5 years of hands-on experience as a Controls Engineer or Applications Engineer, working on automation/electromechanical systems in industrial, mission-critical (e.g., data centers), high-tech/R&D, biotech/pharma, food/beverage, or advanced manufacturing (e.g., battery production) environments; recent graduates or entry-level candidates with relevant internships or projects encouraged to apply
Proficiency in industrial systems including configuring control networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, Serial Communication), PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.), designing and implementing safety systems, and developing HMIs (at least one of the following: Ignition, WinCC)
Deep understanding of first principles in electrical design (including electrical schematic design using ePLAN for circuits and power distribution), software development, data systems architecture, and control theory
Hands-on experience in manufacturing settings, solving complex problems via foundational breakdowns in software, data, and electrical design
Proficiency in Python and SQL
Hands-on experience troubleshooting and fixing electro-mechanical devices, with familiarity in common hand tools and diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters)
Proven interpersonal skills and ability to objectively resolve conflict within a large group
Able to work flexible hours and schedules as required
A passion for tackling challenging engineering problems, with a drive to innovate and grow in a dynamic, high-impact setting

Responsibilities

Help design automation and data architectures grounded in electrical design, engineering fundamentals, software development principles, data systems architecture, and control theory
Create scalable systems for production output, quality inspection, and real-time process optimization
Design and develop manufacturing data systems from concept to production, analyzing equipment KPI trends
Implement cloud-based solutions for data collection/storage, using Python/SQL to interface with MES and production databases
Design, program, and commission automation equipment to improve systems
Predict faults from machine data, coordinate cross-functional alerts/corrective actions, and maintain CI/CD pipelines for tracking and reporting
Optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces; conduct in-house tech exploration and implement safety standards with periodic inspections
Contribute to OT cybersecurity projects to secure manufacturing networks and devices against threats

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