Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer, Optimus Virtual Commissioning
What to Expect The Virtual Commissioning Engineer develops and deploys high‑fidelity simulation and virtual commissioning environments to validate automated equipment, PLC logic, motion control, and system behavior prior to commissioning.
You will integrate complex virtual environments with real‑time control systems, execute model‑in‑loop and hardware‑in‑loop testing, build reusable component libraries, and guide engineering workflows with industry leading virtual commissioning tools.
Virtual commissioning encompasses controls engineering, simulation, automation, and industrial robotics, requiring the Virtual Commissioning Engineer to collaborate across teams and possess a robust understanding of the industrial automation development process. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable with PLC logic and with simulation or virtual commissioning development.
What You'll Do Develop 2D/3D and simulation environments and digital twins for automated machinery and industrial equipment to validate PLC, HMI, and supervisory system interactions within a virtual commissioning environment
Build and validate MIL (model‑in‑loop), SIL (software‑in‑loop), and HIL (hardware‑in‑loop) test setups for PLC‑controlled systems
Create and maintain simulation/VC component libraries representing automation hardware and controllers
Conduct virtual equipment buyoffs and pre‑startup validation to reduce onsite commissioning time
Work cross‑functionally with controls, automation, mechanical, and software teams to ensure simulation models support design decisions, code validation, and commissioning readiness
Review simulation/commissioning data with integrators or internal engineers to confirm conformance to requirements and functional standards
Document simulation approaches, model architecture, modeling assumptions, validation methods, and commissioning workflows for global reuse
Develop standards to direct internal and external teams on virtual commissioning requirements and workflows for efficient and effective use
Work with virtual commissioning software suppliers to review and utilize the latest industry tools and platforms
Create automated test frameworks to validate logic behavior before deployment. Also create tools to automate environment development
What You'll Bring Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, automation, controls engineering, robotics, or equivalent experience
Experience with virtual commissioning, digital twins, or system modeling using virtual commissioning software (Process Simulate, WinMOD, EKS, iPhysics, Emulate3D, NX MCD, F.EE)
PLC programming and commissioning experience - Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff
Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, OPC UA, ADS, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET)
4+ years of experience in highly automated high volume manufacturing industries
Strong programming ability in Python, C++, or similar
General experience with virtual platforms Omniverse/Isaac Sim, 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Catia, or similar), and robotic software (Fanuc RoboGuide, ABB RobotStudio, KUKA iiQWorks)
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.