Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer, Optimus Plastics

What to Expect The Plastic Shop ME Controls team at Gigafactory Texas exists to land new plastics manufacturing equipment that runs to rate — and to make the next line easier than the last. We work side by side with Manufacturing Engineering on controls, electrical, and automation from design through commissioning, covering injection molding machines (IMM), material supply, and the automation that surrounds them.

We are part of Vehicle Manufacturing Controls Development Engineering. Our core responsibility is to bridge local operations and vendors, translating Plastic Shop requirements into equipment that meets local standards, integrates cleanly, and hands over cleanly to sustaining. We also own the control-system backbone of the shop: raising the standard of what is already running, keeping lines consistent, and making sure knowledge travels with the equipment.

This role is dedicated to U.S. Plastic Shop projects and spans the full project lifecycle — RFQ, vendor assessment, design, concept evaluation, commissioning, buyoff, and ramp. The right person brings a working understanding of the IMM process, is drawn to execution, and is ready to be on the floor when the line needs it.

What You'll Do Own PLC architecture from first draft through debug — structured, documented, and reusable code that interfaces with IMM controllers, dryers and blenders, robots, conveyors, MES, vision, and third-party equipment

Build control-reliable safety systems (ANSI/RIA 15.06 / OSHA) for IMM cells, robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume equipment

Design HMIs that make a complex molding cell readable on the floor, with process and fault feedback so operators and technicians can recover without a controls engineer at the press

Engage from the start: review equipment concepts with Manufacturing Engineering and contribute controls, electrical, and automation input into the RFQ

Troubleshoot high-speed automation lines for downtime issues and support during ramp to ensure stable, reliable production performance

Commission and start up equipment with a bias for rate, without compromising safety

Establish test plans and control test plan execution at Vendor and at Tesla facility during installation and buy-off

What You'll Bring Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience

Demonstrated proficiency in PLC, HMI, and debugging mechatronic systems

Good to have exposure to Injection molding and plastics communication protocols

Exposure to programming microcontrollers and motor controllers – Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, SEW are the primary equipment brands used in the factory

Exposure to programming robots online and offline – Fanuc, Kuka, and ABB are the primary brands used in the factory

Proficiency with CAD (AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, CATIA) is a plus

Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines

Some travel is expected - e.g. for vendor visits, equipment installation and commissioning

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.