Manufacturing Controls Engineer, Assembly
Tesla · Lathrop, MO
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $76k–$140k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Tesla (industrial) in Lathrop, MO. Sustain 24/7 manufacturing operations, utilizing working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems to respond to escalations and quickly resolve equipment failures or address quality concerns.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- OEE, Root cause, DMAIC, PLC, Robotics
- Base pay
- $76k–$140k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 14 other live controls postings in Missouri.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 80%
- Automation 73%
- ✓ Root cause 47%
- ✓ Robotics 40%
- Lean 33%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 33%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for DMAIC, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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.
This plant: Tesla in Lathrop
2 other open roles at this site.
- Industrial Engineer, Energy · Industrial
- Sr. Industrial Engineer, Service Distribution · Industrial · Senior
Full description from TeslaAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Sustain 24/7 manufacturing operations, utilizing working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems to respond to escalations and quickly resolve equipment failures or address quality concerns. Employ structured problem-solving techniques to contain, root-cause, and eliminate failure modes
- ◆Take ownership of manufacturing processes, analyzing performance metrics and optimizing equipment to maximize safety and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), driving world-class process quality and manufacturing capacity. Collaborate with Equipment, Process, and Quality Engineers to drive continuous improvement projects to optimize production line serviceability, reliability, throughput, and process capability
- ◆Lead the design, development, and deployment of automated equipment upgrades or installation, coordinating with internal teams or external integrators. Develop and maintain Siemens and Beckhoff PLC and HMI software to optimize production capability and improve operator experience
- ◆Maintain key documentation, including electrical schematics, for the automated systems. Integrate safety systems to ensure the safe operation of the equipment and conduct risk assessments for equipment under development and lead safety buyoffs before launch
- ◆Partner with Maintenance and Controls Technicians to service and improve automated manufacturing equipment, leveraging their frontline diagnostics on PLCs, robots, and control systems. Collaborate on enhancing Preventive and Corrective Maintenance procedures and provide training on critical skills for safe equipment repair and recovery, and the modification of control architectures
Requirements
- ✓Degree in Engineering (preferred Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic) or Computer Science, or equivalent experience
- ✓Minimum 3 years of experience in an automated, fast-paced manufacturing environments, including exposure to safety best practices and change management systems
- ✓Mastery in programming industrial equipment using IEC 61131-3 languages, particularly structured text and ladder logic. Experience with PLCs (Siemens and Beckhoff are a must, Allen-Bradley is a plus) and safety implementation (Siemens, SIMATIC Integrated Safety, TwinSAFE, PILZ). Proficiency in robot programming and troubleshooting (FANUC 6+1 axis) and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, iRVision)
- ✓Knowledge in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, and selecting and integrating circuit protection, sensors, safety hardware, servos, PLC hardware, and other components. Knowledge of Ethernet communications (HTTP, MQTT, OPC), script-based programming (Python, C++, GO), motor drives (SEW EURODRIVE or AB PowerFlex), and fieldbus networks is a plus
- ✓Experience commissioning and improving automated manufacturing equipment. Demonstrated track record of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement, strong troubleshooting skills, and an aptitude for learning systems quickly. Knowledge of structured problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC, Ishikawa, Five Why (5W) or Eight Disciplines (8D)
- ✓Capacity for self-motivation and good judgment, comfort with managing a broad scope of
responsibilities
with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, complemented by proven project management experience
- ◆Willingness to work flexible hours, including shift work on nights and weekends as required by business needs
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
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Manufacturing Controls Engineer
Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Controls Engineer to join our Production Engineering team and play a pivotal role in integrating, sustaining, and improving advanced manufacturing equipment across Megafactory California. The ideal candidate has strong controls engineering fundamentals, practical manufacturing experience, a high aptitude for learning and adapting quickly, and a track record of continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving and controls development. Engineers on our team are independent, proactive, hands-on, and detail-oriented — thriving in a collaborative, cross-functional environment to drive operational excellence. If you are passionate about building world-class manufacturing systems and are motivated to make a measurable impact at scale, we encourage you to apply.
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