Automation Software Engineer

Job Summary

Tesla is seeking an experienced Controls / Automation Software Engineer to develop, commission, and optimize software for automated manufacturing systems supporting Tesla''s advanced production lines. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, HMI development, machine commissioning, and troubleshooting within high-volume manufacturing environments.

This is a hands-on engineering role requiring close collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable and high-performance automation solutions from concept through mass production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation software for Tesla assembly line machines and manufacturing equipment.
• Design and implement automatic operating modes, calibration routines, collision avoidance logic, product traceability, recovery, and rework functions.
• Debug, optimize, and improve automated processes to maximize cycle time, equipment availability, and production yield.
• Perform hands-on commissioning, testing, validation, and startup of production equipment.
• Support equipment through all project phases from development to mass production.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Production Engineering teams.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), equipment validation, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, servo, and industrial network issues.
• Ensure automation systems comply with Tesla manufacturing and industrial standards.
• Support production by resolving automation-related issues and implementing continuous improvements.

Required Skills

• 10+ years of experience in Industrial Automation or Controls Engineering.
• Strong PLC programming experience:
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Beckhoff TwinCAT
• HMI development experience:
• Ignition
• Siemens SIMATIC WinCC
• TwinCAT HMI
• Studio 5000
• Industrial networking experience:
• PROFINET
• EtherCAT
• Ethernet/IP
• Machine commissioning and startup experience.
• Servo drive and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Experience with industrial automation programming.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control panel drawings.
• Strong debugging and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment.

Preferred Skills

• Vision systems:
• Cognex
• Keyence
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Production equipment validation.
• Motion control systems.
• Product traceability solutions.
• Collision avoidance systems.
• Calibration routines.
• High-volume manufacturing experience.
• Automotive manufacturing experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Experience

• Automotive manufacturing automation.
• Robotics and industrial automation.
• Servo motion control.
• PLC-based manufacturing systems.
• Automated assembly lines.
• Continuous process improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

• Onsite in Reno, NV.
• Hands-on work with production equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support for equipment commissioning, production launches, and manufacturing operations.
• Occasional participation in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commissioning activities, including coordination with global engineering teams.