Manufacturing Joining Engineer, Closures

What to Expect Tesla is seeking a highly motivated andexperienced Manufacturing Joining Engineer to join our Closures team supportingNV93 GA Closures. As the plasma, 2K dispense, bonding, and vision specialist,you will own process health, equipment performance, and continuous improvementfor automated joining of plastic closure assemblies. You will maintain andimprove existing processes, tooling, and robotic cells, and partner withcross-functional teams to remove bottlenecks and raise line performance.

What You'll Do Serve as the subject matter expert for Plasma surface treatment, SCA Dispensing 2K, structural Bonding, and Vision Systems (Coherix + Mech Mind) across NV93 GA Closures

Own day-to-day process stability for plasma treatment quality, 2K mix/bead/path control, bonded-joint integrity, and in-process vision (Coherix bead/Z-tracking and Mech Mind 3D)

Perform root cause analysis on complex joining faults (plasma coverage/dyne, mix ratio, open time, wet-out, adhesion vs cohesive failure, bead geometry, compression/fit-up, vision false rejects) using DMAIC, Ishikawa, Five Why (5W), and Eight Disciplines (8D), and drive permanent corrective actions

Lead production trials to optimize plasma, 2K dispense, and bonding parameters, introduce new product designs, and validate process windows on plastic-to-plastic and plastic-to-metal joints

Analyze production processes to ensure safety while maximizing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE); optimize cycle time, balance workloads, and reduce bottlenecks in plasma, dispense, bonding, and vision stations

Lead non-conforming material (NCM) activities, including rework procedures, containment, and line fallout troubleshooting for bonded closures; support manufacturing excellence (5S, Lean, material handling, line layout)

Monitor and reduce process variation using SPC and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), including dyne/surface energy, bead volume/height, teardown CF%, max defect length, and vision system capability

Develop and maintain process sheets, PFMEAs, control plans, and standard operating procedures for plasma, 2K dispense, bonding, and vision

Apply GD&T and plastics manufacturing knowledge to diagnose fit-up, gap, compression, locator, and dimensional stack-up issues that drive bond quality on molded closure assemblies

Partner with Controls, Maintenance, Quality, Materials, and equipment vendors (SCA, Coherix, Mech Mind, plasma OEMs) on upgrades, spare strategy, and technical escalations

What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automotive, Manufacturing, Materials/Polymer, or equivalent experience

Background in plastics manufacturing processes required (injection molding, dimensional stability, surface energy, primer/adhesion promoters, thermal expansion of plastic assemblies)

Background in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) required

4+ years developing and improving high-volume manufacturing processes; at least 2+ years hands-on in plasma treatment, 2K adhesive dispensing, and/or structural bonding of plastic assemblies in automated/robotic environments

Strong knowledge of plasma fundamentals (surface energy, dyne, treatment distance/speed/power, coverage), 2K dispense (mix ratio, pot life/open time, bead path, volume/height control), bonding (wet-out, compression, cure, cohesive vs adhesive failure, tensile/peel), 3D vision (Coherix / Mech Mind), and joining quality gates (teardown CF%, max single-defect length)

Ability to initiate design and process changes using DfM, Poka-Yoke, and failure-mode elimination

Strong understanding of BOM, MES, quality specifications, process capability (Cpk), and change management

Ability to use structured problem-solving (DMAIC, Ishikawa, 5W, 8D) and to collaborate with cross-functional teams on highly technical problems

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Linux, Tableau, SQL, Ignition, and/or Minitab experience preferred; exposure to other Closures joining technologies (ultrasonic spot weld, 1K urethane/SCA SG10, Robotape, sealing) is a plus

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

Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

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.