Manufacturing Development Engineer

Position Overview

Tesla Gigafactory New York is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design & development of innovative automation equipment & manufacturing processes. In this role, you will own the execution of design, prototyping, & launch of multiple automation projects for medium to high-volume manufacturing lines. You will collaborate closely with Design, Controls, Production, Quality, Facilities, & Safety Engineering Teams to create world class manufacturing systems. This will require experience with mechanical design, electrical & controls systems, project management, root cause analysis, and cross-functional communication. It’s an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of manufacturing performance, efficiency, and reliability across multiple energy products/lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Pioneer Next-Generation Automation Systems - Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of cutting-edge automated manufacturing solutions that integrate industrial robotics, vision systems, & precision motion control for process optimization. Architect complete automation ecosystems with exceptional reliability and scalability.
• Implement Advanced Control & Monitoring Systems - Develop integrated robust electrical controls using Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLCs, communication protocols, and HMIs with real-time monitoring capabilities, while leveraging data sources to quantitatively evaluate system performance.
• Program & Integrate Robotic Systems - Apply expertise in industrial robot programming and integration to enhance automation capabilities and production efficiency.
• Drive Mechanical Design Excellence - Create 3D parts and assemblies, and 2D drawings using GD&T principles while providing Design for Manufacturing feedback to enhance automation.
• Perform Failure Mode Analysis - Conduct both product & manufacturing process failure mode analysis (PFMEA) as well as design failure mode analysis (DFMEA).
• Demonstrate Project Management Excellence - Set goals, track deliverables, identify risks, and drive mitigations across all project stages while managing timelines, budgets, and resources; own execution of multiple programs simultaneously and develop necessary processes/systems.
• Optimize Automated Manufacturing Processes – Analyze and optimize equipment cycle times across low, medium, and high-volume manufacturing processes, balance automation based on ROI, strategize material flow, and ensure adequate WIP buffering for production uptime.
• Create Detailed Technical Documentation - Develop detailed electrical and fluid schematics, MBOM/EBOM, and manuals to define preventive maintenance, spare parts consumption, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Ensure Safety & Compliance in Automated Systems - Collaborate with EHS teams to review equipment requirements, compile risk assessments, and integrate safety devices into manufacturing stations while adhering to electrical safety standards.
• Manage Automation Vendor Relationships - Create RFQs with procurement teams, manage suppliers from specification through installation, and lead factory/site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) for automated equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced Engineering Degree – Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience in automation system development.
• Automation Expertise – 3-7 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing industrial automation systems, including PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal preferred, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000), HMI development (Proface, WinCC, Ignition), industrial communication protocols (PROFINET, Ethernet/IP), and creating detailed electrical & fluid schematics in EPLAN or equivalent systems.
• Robotics Integration Proficiency – Demonstrated expertise in programming and integrating industrial robots, with experience using FANUC RoboGuide or similar platforms.
• Innovative Design & Prototyping – Proficiency with Solidworks for 3D part/assembly design and 2D drawings using GD&T principles, with a proven ability to rapidly prototype automation solutions.
• Project Leadership & Execution – Proven record of leading large-scale automation projects from conception through implementation, utilizing tools such as Jira to manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Manufacturing Process Optimization – Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and 8D problem-solving to optimize automated production systems and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Vision System & Sensor Integration – Expertise in implementing machine vision systems (e.g., Keyence, iRVision), sensors, and feedback control systems to facilitate high-precision manufacturing.
• Technical Communication Skills – Exceptional written and verbal skills for developing technical specifications, presenting complex automation concepts to stakeholders, and producing comprehensive documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across multiple projects and cross-functional teams.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Associate Manufacturing Engineer - $82,440 - $123,660 per year; Manufacturing Engineer - $98,640 - $147,960 per year; Sr Manufacturing Engineer - $117,360 - $176,040 per year + cash and stock awards + benefits for all levels.
• Medical plans with plan options at $0 payroll deduction.
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans with options at $0 paycheck contribution.
• Company paid Health Savings Account (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 and AD&D insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (with a 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 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.