Controls Engineer, Cell Engineering

What To Expect
Tesla is accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. Join our Cell Engineering team in building next-generation battery cell pilot production and R&D equipment that pushes the boundaries of manufacturing automation.

As a Controls Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize advanced control systems for cutting-edge battery cell manufacturing equipment. You will own controls architecture from concept through commissioning, debug, and continuous improvement — working closely with Design Engineering, Process Engineering, and cross-functional teams to rapidly bring new cell designs and processes from prototype to production.

You will program and integrate PLCs, robots, safety systems, HMIs, and vision systems while ensuring maximum uptime, yield, and cycle time performance in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

What You'll Do

Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time, equipment availability, and yield using data-driven methods (simulation, Gage R&R, Cpk, capability studies, etc.)

Develop robust system architecture, detailed electrical/pneumatic schematics, and utility layouts; collaborate with facilities for implementation

Architect, write, and debug clean, structured, well-documented PLC ladder logic (with emphasis on maintainability and reusability) that interfaces with conveyors, robots, MES, machine vision, and third-party equipment

Design and implement control-reliable safety systems (ANSI/RIA 15.06 / OSHA compliant) for robots, gantries, conveyors, and high-volume automation

Create intuitive, aesthetically clean HMI screens that provide effective troubleshooting and operator feedback

Participate in equipment conceptual development, balancing product requirements, process control, complexity, cost, quality, and lead time

Lay out NFPA 79 / NEC / UL508A-compliant industrial control panels; generate electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics

Manage suppliers through specification, design reviews, technical quote evaluation, and buy-off; enforce Tesla standards and lead equipment characterization/validation for production release

Build and commission electrical cabinets, field wiring, and pneumatic/fluid systems; select and size servo drives, gearheads, and electromechanical components

Establish data management networks for product, process, and quality traceability

What You'll Bring

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or equivalent experience

Strong proficiency in process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems

Advanced experience programming industrial controls including Ladder Logic PLCs and Safety PLCs (Beckhoff, Siemens, Rockwell, Omron, Mitsubishi)

HMI/GUI development (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar)

Fieldbus networks (EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, safety-rated buses)

Solid experience with serial (RS-232) and Ethernet communications between PLCs, instruments, and database/MES systems

Familiarity with hazardous location equipment (Class I, Division 2 or equivalent) for explosive/flammable material processes, including proper hardware selection

Hands-on exposure to a wide range of production machinery, sensors, and subsystems (LVDT, pressure transducers, dispense systems, torque controllers, power meters, temperature controllers, etc.)

Highly desired: Prior experience with manufacturing equipment, especially in battery/EV-related production

Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to documentation and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Benefits
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

Expected Compensation

Associate Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer - $82,440 - $123,660/annual salary

Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer - $98,640 - $147,960/annual salary

Sr Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer - $117,360 - $176,040/annual salary

cash and stock awards benefits for all levels

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

We will accept applications for this job until June 29, 2026, after which this posting will be removed., Tesla