What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Controls Engineer, Software, Terafab position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI are partnering to launch the most epic chip-building effort ever - combining logic, memory, and advanced packaging under one roof. Terafab will close the gap between today's chip production and the future's demand - a future among the stars.
As an Automation & Controls Engineer, you'll pioneer advanced solutions - designing, integrating, and optimizing controls, software, and hardware - to boost efficiency, safety, and output in our cutting-edge factories. If you're driven to tackle complex problems with smart and innovative solutions, join us in redefining chip manufacturing.
What You'll Do
- Create intuitive operator touchscreen interfaces using WinCC/Ignition/TwinCAT HMI and SCADA dashboards screens using Ignition/Grafana
- Develop robust control programs and sequences for precision material handling, pick-and-place, and automated transport
- Develop common frameworks for factory-level tracking, dashboarding, software libraries, integrations with MES, time-series databases, SPC, and ML
- Engineer and integrate interdisciplinary automation solutions - including electrical, mechanical, chemical, and software components
- Develop technical specifications for automation systems, including software, electrical, mechanical, and safety requirements
- Lead vendor interactions from requirements definition to factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), including up to 25% travel to vendor sites
- Foster strong collaboration with process, materials, production, facilities, and external vendor engineering teams to align automation solutions with production goals
What You'll Bring
- Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Programming experience in high-level languages (e.g. C , C#, Python), PLC/Safety PLC systems (IEC 61131-3), and industrial robots
- Experience with Fieldbus networking (e.g., EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP)
- Knowledge of SECS/GEM, OPC-UA, or MQTT for data ingestion, equipment communication, and host-to-machine integration
- Ability to work with SQL databases for querying, data management, and integration with industrial systems
- Hands-on skills in HMI/SCADA development using Ignition (or similar software)
Compensation and 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
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.