Sr. Controls Engineer, Automation Development
Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.
Don't just apply. Show up ready.
Olive works from this exact posting — no sign-up to start.
At a glance
Job overview
Tesla, Inc. is hiring a Sr. Controls Engineer, Automation Development. Tesla seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead station‑level scope development for new automation equipment, collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams, defining software architecture, and deploying code for PLCs, HMIs, robots, and vision systems, while ensuring robust performance through hands‑on debugging and on‑site commissioning.
Key focus areas include Design high‑performing equipment collaborating with mechanical and electrical engineers, Challenge requirements and eliminate unnecessary parts to reduce complexity, and Define software architecture with diagrams and flow charts for topology and sequencing.
Important skills include PLC Programming, Siemens PLC, Beckhoff PLC, Allen Bradley PLC, HMIs, and Robot Controllers.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Job Duties
What to Expect
Tesla is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to join a world-class team of engineers in our Automation Development organization. The Automation Development organization helps bring Tesla's vision to reality by designing and building the automated equipment that manufactures Tesla's world-class products.
As a Senior Controls Engineer, you'll be the primary technical contributor and owner of station level scopes for new, custom automation equipment projects. You'll be involved in projects from start to finish, architecting, developing and deploying software for industrial controllers like PLCs, HMIs, robot controllers, machine vision systems and more. New automated manufacturing equipment is designed, built and performance tested by us at our Automation Development site, then shipped to its final destination at a Tesla factory, for final commissioning and start of production.
What You'll Do
Help design high performing equipment by collaborating with mechanical & electrical engineers on topics such as machine layout, tooling design, process strategies and hardware selection of motors & drives, actuators, and sensors
Challenge requirements & assumptions, identify & delete unnecessary parts & processes and find ways to reduce complexity
Define software architecture by creating diagrams and flow charts for high level topology, device level control, and process sequencing
Program PLCs and HMIs for state control, motor control, servo motion control, and pneumatic actuations
Program industrial robots for material handling and process applications
Work hands-on with the equipment during the debug phase to bring it to a high performing and robust state by performing validations and exception testing for hardware, software, and processes
Travel to the factory for on-site commissioning of the equipment, performing final validations, and supporting it into production. Ability to travel ~25%, potentially on short notice
What You'll Bring
5+ years' experience programming, debugging, and commissioning industrial machines of moderate to high complexity
Experience programming PLCs from brands like Siemens, Beckhoff or Allen Bradley. Siemens PLC programming experience is preferred
Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools
Strong electrical aptitude and experience with industrial electrical wiring for 3-Phase AC power and DC control circuits and proficiency with electrical diagnostic tools
Proficiency with viewing mechanical and electrical CAD documents with software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Eplan
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
Compensation and Benefits
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.
Minimum Education Required
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum Experience Required
5 - 20 years
Shift
First (Day)
Number of Openings
1
Public Transportation Accessible
Yes
Veterans Encouraged to Apply
No
Physical Required
Yes
Drug Test Required
Yes
Compensation
$11.41 / Hourly
Postal Code
55311
Job Type
Full Time
Place of Work
On-site
Requisition ID
267808
Job Benefits
Not specified
You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.