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Automation Controls Engineer, Cathode Advanced Manufacturing

Tesla · Austin, AR

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Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Degree
Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Tesla (industrial) in Austin, AR. Back-up childcare and parenting support resources.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names
Root cause, PLC, Robotics, Automation
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Arkansas: typical posted base $82k–$120k.

Median of the low and high ends of 5 live postings that list pay, out of 10 controls engineer openings in Arkansas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Arkansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 9 other live controls postings in Arkansas.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $82k–$120k, from 5 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (5+ vs 8+)

Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ PLC 80%
  • ✓ Automation 60%
  • ✓ Robotics 50%
  • Team leadership 20%
  • MES 20%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverage

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Tesla

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Tesla in Austin

2 other open roles at this site.

Full description from TeslaAs posted on their careers site.Show

What You'll Do

  • ◆Program and debug control logic using structured text, ladder logic, and function block diagrams on PLC systems (Siemens, Beckhoff, B&R)
  • ◆Develop code that adheres to established standards, ensuring it is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable
  • ◆Design and implement robust programs and control sequences for complex, multi-station machinery involved in processes such as material conveyance, milling, mixing, pressing, drying, kiln operations, and robotics
  • ◆Create intuitive Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) using platforms such as Siemens WinCC, Beckhoff TCHMI, and others
  • ◆Set up, troubleshoot, and tune servo systems and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for consistent and reliable operational performance (ABB, Siemens, Schneider, B&R, SEW)
  • ◆Design and implement reliable safety control systems to protect robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards
  • ◆Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including Root Cause Investigations (RCIs), by identifying and implementing corrective actions (e.g., optimizing control sequences, enhancing equipment interfaces)
  • ◆Manage suppliers during specification, design, buyoff and installation of automated manufacturing equipment
Show full description ↓

What to Expect

Automation Controls Engineers are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems across materials processing and manufacturing operations, ensuring the smooth operation of systems around the clock. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design, operations, and maintenance, to implement improvements, resolve system issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The position requires expertise in manufacturing controls, particularly for equipment used in material conveyance, milling, mixing, pressing, dryers, kilns, and robotic systems.

In addition to supporting day-to-day operations, Automation Controls Engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining equipment control standards, programming hardware and robots, and actively assisting with the commissioning and review processes for new projects. Additional duties include conducting audits, managing installations, and performing safety assessments to ensure all systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Bring

  • •Degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or at least 5 years of experience in sustaining or designing control systems, or equivalent experience
  • •Proficiency with PLC systems with preference given to Siemens, Beckhoff, or B&R platforms
  • •Experience with Human Machine Interfaces (HMI/GUI) including WinCC, TCHMI, and Ignition
  • •Proficiency creating P&ID drawings and detailed electrical and mechanical schematics using CAD tools (EPLAN preferred)
  • •Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) programming skills

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

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