What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer, Coatings, Semi position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
The Controls Engineer in the Coatings team is responsible for sustaining, operating, and continuously improving advanced manufacturing and automation systems in a high-volume production environment. This role requires strong hands-on experience with Siemens TIA Portal and a data-driven approach to improving equipment performance, reliability, and throughput.
The Controls Engineer works closely with cross-functional manufacturing teams to provide technical controls, electrical, and automation support for the coatings line equipment. This role drives improvements to factory control systems by promoting standardization, robust design practices, and effective knowledge sharing across manufacturing lines. The position also leads and executes continuous improvement projects targeting OEE, cycle time, MTTR, downtime reduction, and production KPIs, while supporting daily production operations.
What You'll Do
- Develop, debug, and maintain structured PLC code in Siemens TIA Portal for conveyors, robots, process equipment, vision systems, MES interfaces, and third-party automation
- Lead continuous improvement projects to increase OEE, reduce cycle times, minimize MTTR, and enhance equipment reliability
- Analyze production KPIs (downtime, faults, throughput, availability) at station and line levels, driving data-based corrective actions and controls improvements
- Sustain and improve SCADA, ANDON, and HMI systems for better diagnostics, fault recovery, and operator effectiveness
- Troubleshoot complex controls, electrical, and automation issues to support 24/7 production operations
- Lead or support equipment upgrades, retrofits, and repairs, emphasizing design intent, reliability, safety, manufacturability, and serviceability
- Review and maintain NFPA 79/NEC/UL 508A-compliant control panels and electrical/pneumatic/fluid schematics
- Implement and sustain ANSI/RIA 15.06/OSHA-compliant safety systems for automated coatings equipment
- Support new equipment installations, commissioning, and new product introductions
- Drive controls standardization, best practices, documentation, and cross-team collaboration (with robotics, maintenance, quality, and production) to reduce downtime and improve response/recovery times
What You'll Bring
- 5 years of experience as a hands-on Controls Engineer or Applications Engineer working on automation and/or electromechanical systems
- Demonstrated ability in PLC, HMI, and debugging mechatronic systems
- Exposure to programming at least twodifferent typesof PLCs and motor controllers - Siemens, the primary equipment brand used in the factory
- Exposure to programming robots online and offline - Fanuc, Kuka, are the primary brands used in the factory
- Proficiencywith CAD (AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, CATIA, EPLAN)
- Knowledge and experience of the complete project life cycle from scoping through to equipment handover is essential
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Flexible to support any shift as needed
- Solid understanding of industrial networking and fieldbus protocols
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 Aetna 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.