Manufacturing Process Tooling Engineer, Optimus Machining

What to Expect Tesla is seeking a Manufacturing Process Tooling Engineer to support the development and launch of the Optimus Gears manufacturing program. This role owns development, optimization, and sustaining of specialized tooling and process systems that enable precision gear production — transitioning automated lines from early prototypes through FAT/SAT commissioning to mass production (SOP).

APPLICATION NOTE: You do not need expertise in all areas to apply. We are looking for specialized engineering depth. The successful candidate will own and lead process/tooling development for ANY ONE of the following technical tracks:

Track 1: Precision Machining and Grinding — process ownership for high-precision machining and grinding operations supporting Optimus gears

Track 2: Cutting Tool Design and Fabrication — design and manufacture of cutting tools for precision gear production

Track 3: Complete Tool Management Life Cycle — end-to-end tool management systems, presetting, regrind/re-tip workflows, and CNC cell integration

Track 4: Advanced Metrology — CMM programming, inline automated gauging, GD&T, and Gage R&R

You will partner with Process, Equipment, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Project Management, Quality, and Manufacturing stakeholders, and with external suppliers, to specify equipment, validate processes, and drive quality, cycle time, uptime, and cost-per-part targets. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable owning a technical track end-to-end in a fast-paced NPI and ramp environment.

Travel expected 25% — ability to travel domestically and internationally to other Tesla factory locations and suppliers as required.

What You'll Do Fully own, optimize, and scale operational performance of your assigned technical track within Optimus Machining / Gears (precision machining and grinding; cutting tool design and fabrication; complete tool management life cycle; or advanced metrology)

Lead cross-functional collaboration across process, equipment, mechanical, electrical, controls, project management, quality, and manufacturing stakeholders; support equipment specifications, supplier RFQs, design reviews, and process validation

Design carbide and PCD cutting tools to meet precision gear machining requirements for quality, tool life, and cost

Design and develop full turnkey systems for regrinding carbide cutting tools and re-tipping PCD cutting tools

Integrate tool management systems into CNC machining cells and drive closed-loop tool life, presetting, and traceability

Create and maintain process flows, PFMEA, control plans, standardized work, and related technical documentation for tooling and related processes

Support installation, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning of tooling and related equipment

Manage large-scale projects for new programs, including timing plans, cost breakdowns for executive approval, risk identification and corrective action, status reporting, and oversight of installation and commissioning

Drive continuous improvement of auxiliary and tooling systems to improve quality, reduce cycle time, increase uptime, and lower cost per part, using Design of Experiments (DOE), SPC, and data-driven methods to optimize tooling performance, process capability, and variation

Partner on metrology and gauging strategies as applicable to the assigned track, including CMM programming, inline automated gauging, GD&T, and Gage R&R

What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Metrology, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Hands-on expertise launching and optimizing equipment or processes within one of the four core tracks (precision machining and grinding, cutting tool design and fabrication, tool management life cycle, or advanced metrology)

Experience with CNC programming, process optimization, and cutting tool design

Experience with tool management systems, tool pre-setters, and related programming and configuration

Strong statistical background with proven application of Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical process control (SPC), and data-driven optimization

Knowledge of robotics, automation, and machine vision as they relate to machining cells and tool and process validation

Proficiency in CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor, and/or AutoCAD) and ability to read and create manufacturing and tooling drawings

Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, standardized work, and Lean manufacturing practices

Demonstrated project leadership for equipment or process launches, including timing, cost, risk, and commissioning oversight

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent cross-functional communication under changing priorities; able to work hands-on on the factory floor and support ~25% travel domestically and internationally to suppliers and Tesla sites as required

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.