Supplier Industrialization Engineer, Seat Structures

Tesla•Fremont, CA

About The Position

Tesla’s Supplier Industrialization Engineering (SIE) team for Seat Structures is responsible for the development, industrialization, and qualification of complex welded and stamped assemblies at global suppliers. The role requires deep technical expertise in stamping, MIG/MAG/laser welding, and process validation for seat frame/structure assemblies. Experience with mechanisms such as recliners and recliner motors will be considered an added advantage. You will drive supplier readiness across tooling, stamping, welding, and assembly validation, ensuring robust process capability, dimensional control, and zero-defect launch execution. The SIE collaborates closely with Tesla Design, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver high-quality, dimensionally accurate, and safety-critical seat structures for rapid program ramps. Actively engage from the design and development phase to drive Stamping die, jig, and weld-fixture design in collaboration with Tesla Design Engineering and suppliers, ensuring manufacturability and process robustness are built in from concept Develop, manage, and qualify supplier manufacturing processes for metal seat structure, including high-strength steel stamping, robotic MAG/MIG welding, and laser welding from prototype through mass production Active engagements right from Tool/Jig design developments from the design development phase along with supplier and design Lead Process Flow, PFMEA, and Control Plan reviews to ensure stamping (progressive/transfer) and welding processes meet all structural and safety requirements defined by Tesla’s design and validation teams Audit supplier stamping and MIG/MAG/laser welding operations – verifying weld process parameters, arc stability, penetration control, CTWD, gas flow, weld sequencing, and fixture design - to ensure repeatability and compliance with Tesla standards Strong understanding on GD&Ts, drive dimensional quality through SPC, MSA, and GD&T validation, focusing on high-precision interfaces, slots, and mounting features Validate supplier capacity (OEE) and automation readiness, including robot programming, fixture/jig design, stamping die qualification, and equipment uptime tracking for welded and stamped assemblies Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by coordinating supplier process readiness, tooling verification, and pilot-build quality reviews to ensure flawless launch execution Lead SCAR corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities by conducting detailed root-cause analyses of weld or fit-up defects and implementing robust, sustainable process improvements Guide suppliers in achieving best-in-class stamping and welding performance, promoting automation, inline inspection, and robust mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) systems

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in automotive or aerospace metal structure manufacturing, specifically in stamping, robotic welding, or seat-frame assemblies
Proven expertise in MAG/MIG/laser welding process development, fixture/jig design, and weld-parameter validation
Strong understanding of GD&T, PPAP, APQP, DFMEA/PFMEA, SPC, and control plans
Proficiency in supplier audits, tooling verification, and process capability (Cp/Cpk, Pp/Ppk) analysis
Knowledge of weld inspection methods (visual, cut-and-etch, destructive pull testing) and metrology systems (CMM, 3D scanning)
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Willingness to travel globally (30–50%) to audit, launch, and support supplier manufacturing lines

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of seat mechanisms (recliners, recliner motors, or mechanical actuators) is an added advantage
Certifications or training in AWS Welding Engineering standards or equivalent ASQ Quality/Manufacturing Engineering certifications, are highly desirable

Responsibilities

Drive Stamping die, jig, and weld-fixture design in collaboration with Tesla Design Engineering and suppliers, ensuring manufacturability and process robustness are built in from concept
Develop, manage, and qualify supplier manufacturing processes for metal seat structure, including high-strength steel stamping, robotic MAG/MIG welding, and laser welding from prototype through mass production
Lead Process Flow, PFMEA, and Control Plan reviews to ensure stamping (progressive/transfer) and welding processes meet all structural and safety requirements defined by Tesla’s design and validation teams
Audit supplier stamping and MIG/MAG/laser welding operations – verifying weld process parameters, arc stability, penetration control, CTWD, gas flow, weld sequencing, and fixture design - to ensure repeatability and compliance with Tesla standards
Drive dimensional quality through SPC, MSA, and GD&T validation, focusing on high-precision interfaces, slots, and mounting features
Validate supplier capacity (OEE) and automation readiness, including robot programming, fixture/jig design, stamping die qualification, and equipment uptime tracking for welded and stamped assemblies
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by coordinating supplier process readiness, tooling verification, and pilot-build quality reviews to ensure flawless launch execution
Lead SCAR corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities by conducting detailed root-cause analyses of weld or fit-up defects and implementing robust, sustainable process improvements
Guide suppliers in achieving best-in-class stamping and welding performance, promoting automation, inline inspection, and robust mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) systems

Benefits

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