What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Engineer, Automation, Optimus position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
Tesla is seeking a motivated electrical engineer to join the MADE team (Manufacturing, Automation, Development, Engineering) and work on the Optimus programs at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada. In this role, you will drive the design and development of new automation equipment and manufacturing lines, creating custom schematics for electrical panels, field wiring, and plumbing while collaborating with cross-functional teams - including technicians, mechanical engineers, and controls specialists - to interpret requirements, procure equipment, and execute troubleshooting and commissioning. The ideal candidate takes pride in precision-driven designs, demonstrates strong organizational skills, and thrives in Tesla's high-impact environment, where excellence is recognized and individuals are entrusted with significant responsibility. They will balance continuous on-the-job learning with advising cross-functional peers, operating efficiently and independently to deliver innovative solutions.
What You'll Do
- Participate in the initial equipment conceptual development phase and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, preferred component selection, and lead-time limitations while working with cross functional teams (project planning)
- Perform sizing calculations (FLA, SCCR, etc.) for power distribution panels (initial facilities requirements)
- Design, create, and implement electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics (in EPLAN) as per national codes and standards (UL508A, NFPA79, NEC, etc.) including electrical panel and field design
- Design and implement reliable safety controls systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment as per national codes and standards (OSHA and ISO)
- Select and size electrical and electromechanical components (servos, sensors, and valve manifolds, etc.)
- Transform concept layouts/designs into fabrication & installation drawings (documentation creation)
- Manage BOMs and the fabrication of electrical cabinets, field wiring, pneumatics, and fluid plumbing, and participate in the equipment commissioning phase (electrical technician management, controls support)
- Support Tesla's goal of continuous improvement, and incorporate new techniques into the design and build processes for new equipment (electrical specification and standard creation)
- Modify existing equipment to support the manufacturing of our products (OEE improvements and new product support)
- Work with internal and external vendors on projects, supporting project management and standard adherence (domestic and international travel up to 15%)
What You'll Bring
- At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience designing electrical schematics for panels and field wiring in AutoCAD or EPLAN (Preferred)
- Hands-on experience working on the design and build of industrial automation equipment
- In-depth knowledge of electrical design compliancy for different regions, including national codes and standards (e.g., UL508A, NFPA79, NEC, etc.)
- Proficiency in the design of pneumatic circuits and network topology, with knowledge of both theory and practical applications
- Proficiency in the sizing and selection of components (e.g., overcurrent protection devices, power supplies, servo drives and motors, VFDs, PLCs, network switches, PDBs and terminal blocks, wire and cable, sensors, safety relays, PLCs, IO blocks, valve manifolds, and other field devices)
- Experience creating and maintaining project documentation and fabrication techniques (e.g., drawings, BOMs, build instructions, manufacturing data exports, reports, etc.)
- Degree in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent experience
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.