What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Set Up Machinist position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
Tesla's Gigafactory Nevada Prototype Machine Shop is currently seeking a dedicated and skilled CNC Machinist to join the team and contribute to Tesla's mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. The Prototype Machine Shop Team provides engineers and technicians across the organization with complex and critical machined components and assemblies to meet the most aggressive program objectives. Through close collaboration with a world-class team of fellow machinists, fabricators, engineers, and leadership, we enhance the design of systems and products from concept through production by bringing intangible ideas to the physical world.
As a CNC Machinist, you will contribute to a range of projects from concept and pre-production vehicles, energy systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other future-facing initiatives. This role involves programming, setting up, and machining intricate custom components in a low-volume, high-mix workflow using cutting-edge tools, machines, and software. If you are looking for a challenge and growth in your career, this is an exciting opportunity to push yourself to new heights while supporting innovative engineering initiatives.As a CNC Machinist, you'llbe challenged withmachining the most intricate and essentialcustomcomponentsto meet engineering goals. This role demands a high level of skill and determination, and while the work is demanding, you're ready to rise to the occasion.
What You'll Do
- Set up, and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills and lathes, WaterJet (e.g., Haas, Doosan, Flow,Amada) in a low-volume, high-mix workflow
- Collaborate with senior machinists, engineers, and team members to review, plan, execute work, provide input on design for manufacturability, and drive process improvements
- Cut materials, build tooling and fixtures, prove and run programs, deburr, finish parts, and measure/validate to ensure parts meet engineering specifications
- Machine complex components to tight tolerances in various materials under aggressive deadlines
- Use inspection and measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauge pins, bore gauges, optical comparator) to validate work quality
- Proactively track, document, and communicate feedback on design, processes, project status, and outcomes via verbal, email, phone, Microsoft Office, and other digital channels
- Identify, present, plan, and implement shop improvements while maintaining equipment and keeping the workplace clean and organized
- Perform all assignments safely, adhering to security policies and collaborating openly to solve challenges
What You'll Bring
- 5 years of experience operating, setting up, and machining CNC mills and lathes, including 3 years of CNC mill CAM programming (Mastercam preferred)
- Experience with basic shop equipment, machines, and measurement tools (e.g., forklift, manual mill, engine lathe, hand tools, calipers, micrometers, gauge pins, bore micrometers/gauge, optical comparator)
- Thorough knowledge of engineering drawings, documents, and GD&T
- Ability to learn and operate multiple CNC controls (e.g., Heidenhain, Fanuc, Siemens, Haas) and efficiently manage multiple work centers simultaneously
- Skill in identifying, procuring, and implementing effective tooling and work-holding solutions
- Excellent communication skills to develop and present technical information across various platforms, with strong collaboration in team and independent settings
- Self-driven with positive energy, eagerness to learn, excellent mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, analytical skills, mathematical competency, and time management
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with tight deadlines, including flexibility for overtime and lifting up to 50 lbs.
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.