Controls Engineer, Automation

Position Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual to support the Automation Development Team in designing and building the automation and robotic equipment that builds world-class Tesla products. Controls engineers are responsible for owning and implementing the solution from project concept to installation; this includes machine concepting, proof-of-principle, electrical design/layout, software design/programming, debug of hardware/software, acceptance testing, and installation/integration at the factory. This role requires travel to other Tesla facilities (25-30%). The ideal candidate takes pride in their ability to perform numerous roles as a project advances through its many phases. Excellent communication skills, analytical ability, and great attention to detail while working under tight deadlines are essential. Collaborative engagement with diverse engineering teams is highly valued.

Location: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Schedule: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Prototyping using overnight machined parts from our fabrication shop
• Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure safety standards are met
• Review electrical schematics and assist with hardware definition/architecture
• Create application design documentation and flow charts; conduct software design reviews
• Program all software for unique projects with a variety of needs (PLC, HMI/SCADA, Servo, Robotics, Machine Vision, etc.)
• Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, IO, communications, etc.)
• Debug and test all software to meet project requirements
• Test run equipment to validate software quality and performance
• Collaborate with assembly personnel and mechanical design engineers to ensure proper mechanical setups and alignments
• Ensure that project requirements are fulfilled and equipment performance is excellent before shipment to the factory

Required Qualifications

• 1 or more years of experience in custom automation
• Experience with PLC controls (Siemens primary, Rockwell Automation secondary)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (WinCC primary, Ignition secondary)
• Familiarity with controls hardware including sensors, remote IO, servos, VFDs, machine vision, barcode readers, etc.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols: Profinet, Ethernet TCP/IP, Ethernet I/P, EtherCAT, etc.
• Experience with 6-axis robots (FANUC primary, Kuka secondary)
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls and Computer Control Systems, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: $79,200 - $216,000 per year + cash and stock awards
• Benefits: Aetna PPO and HSA plans with over 2 medical options at $0 payroll deduction; Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits; Dental and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution options; Company Paid HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA; Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs; 401(k) with employer match and Employee Stock Purchase Plans; Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program; Sick and Vacation time with Paid Holidays; Back-up childcare and parenting support; Voluntary benefits including 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