Staff Automation Controls Engineer, Cell Engineering - Fremont - Fremont
Tesla · Fremont, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $116k–$204k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 7+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at Tesla (industrial) in Fremont, CA. Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Beckhoff, or B&R preferred).
- They ask for
- 7+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Robotics, Automation
- Base pay
- $116k–$204k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $124k–$179k. This one lists $116k–$204k.
Median of the low and high ends of 64 live postings that list pay, out of 120 controls engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 119 other live controls postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 6% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (7+ vs 5+)
Typical $123k–$178k, from 61 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 68%
- ✓ PLC 46%
- ✓ Robotics 44%
- ✓ Python 35%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Full description from TeslaAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
- •*Job Description**
Automation Control Engineers at Tesla are responsible for the development and implementation of equipment control solutions for cell manufacturing projects. This role involves designing and programming automated equipment such as storage systems, robotics, and conveyors. Engineers are involved in tasks such as auditing, installation, and safety assessments, ensuring that the control systems for machinery are effective and efficient, using programming languages like Python and SQL.
- •*Requirements and Qualifications**
- •Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science; or 7+ years of experience in Control Systems Design and Implementation
- •Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Beckhoff, or B&R preferred)
- •Experience with Human Machine Interface (HMI) / GUI design (Beckhoff View, WinCC, Ignition)
- •Proficiency in creating detailed electrical and fluid schematics in CAD (EPLAN preferred)
- •Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) programming skills
- •*Pay and Benefits**
- •Expected Compensation: $116,000 - $204,000 annually, plus cash and stock awards
- •Competitive pay with multiple benefit options, including:
- •Medical plans with $0 payroll deduction
- •Dental and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
- •Company-paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions
- •401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans
- •Paid life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
- •Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time
- •Additional benefits include family-building support, commuter benefits, employee discounts, and various insurance programs
- •*Company Information**
Tesla, Inc. is a renowned company focused on sustainable energy solutions, best known for its electric vehicles. It is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and is led by CEO Elon Musk. Tesla designs and manufactures not only electric cars but also clean energy generation and storage products. Its innovative approach and ambitious goals aim to expedite the global transition to sustainable energy sources. Tesla is celebrated for its commitment to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and forward-thinking in the automotive and energy sectors.