Controls Development Engineer, Automation & Data Systems, Fremont Manufacturing Engineering

What to Expect

The Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer, Automation & Data Systems position is located at our Fremont Factory location. The primary responsibility of this role is to apply first principles thinking to design, develop, and maintain core controls systems that bridge manufacturing gaps. This involves innovating automation and data architectures grounded in electrical design fundamentals, software development principles, data systems architecture, control system theory, and cybersecurity to mitigate threats-tackling complex, real‑world challenges in a fast‑paced environment that demands creative problem‑solving and continuous learning.

It includes integrating PLC/SCADA with advanced manufacturing and energy systems for physics‑driven optimization of production processes, plus creating scalable systems for functionality enhancements, quality inspection, and real‑time process optimization.

• Help design automation and data architectures grounded in electrical design, engineering fundamentals, software development principles, data systems architecture, and control theory
• Create scalable systems for production output, quality inspection, and real‑time process optimization
• Design and develop manufacturing data systems from concept to production, analyzing equipment KPI trends
• Implement cloud‑based solutions for data collection/storage, using Python/SQL to interface with MES and production databases
• Design, program, and commission automation equipment to improve systems
• Predict faults from machine data, coordinate cross‑functional alerts/corrective actions, and maintain CI/CD pipelines for tracking and reporting
• Optimize HMI/SCADA/MES interfaces; conduct in‑house tech exploration and implement safety standards with periodic inspections
• Contribute to OT cybersecurity projects to secure manufacturing networks and devices against threats

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent relevant industry experience
• 2-5 years of hands‑on experience as a Controls Engineer or Applications Engineer, working on automation/electromechanical systems in industrial, mission‑critical (e.g., data centers), high‑tech/R&D, biotech/pharma, food/beverage, or advanced manufacturing (e.g., battery production) environments; recent graduates or entry‑level candidates with relevant internships or projects encouraged to apply
• Proficiency in industrial systems including configuring control networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, Serial Communication), PLC programming (Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.), designing and implementing safety systems, and developing HMIs (at least one of the following: Ignition, WinCC)
• Deep understanding of first principles in electrical design (including electrical schematic design using ePLAN for circuits and power distribution), software development, data systems architecture, and control theory
• Hands‑on experience in manufacturing settings, solving complex problems via foundational breakdowns in software, data, and electrical design
• Proficiency in Python and SQL
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting and fixing electro‑mechanical devices, with familiarity in common hand tools and diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters)
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to objectively resolve conflict within a large group
• Able to work flexible hours and schedules as required
• A passion for tackling challenging engineering problems, with a drive to innovate and grow in a dynamic, high‑impact setting

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…