Mechanical Design Engineer, R&D, Automation Development

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What to Expect

We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented mechanical engineer to support the Automation Development Team in Elgin, IL in designing and building the automation and robotic equipment that builds world-class Tesla products.

The ideal candidate takes pride in their ability to play numerous roles as a design project advances through its many phases. Communication skills, analytical ability, and great attention to detail while working under tight deadlines are important. This candidate is familiar with and appreciates an environment where individuals carry significant responsibility and where excellent work is encouraged, noticed, and rewarded. They cheerfully engage and collaborate with other engineers, and thrive on daily interaction with other top notch people. This candidate also has a keen understanding of how to work with and/or motivate diverse engineering teams.

The primary function of a Mechanical Design Engineer at Tesla is to create robust machine design concepts and detailed drawing packages for custom designed machine build projects and support the entire design, build, test project cycle. Furthermore, this role will focus on the conceptual and mechanical development of new machinery and processes through iterative mechanical and conceptual testing.

What You’ll Do

• Use mechanical design software to create complete mechanical design concepts for machines that can be implemented efficiently and robustly
• Identify areas of highest risk and prioritize resources to address those areas while ensuring that less risky parts of the design are still implemented in an efficient manner
• Complete mechanical and process design analysis as required to ensure the machine design will meet all project requirements. E.g. Finite element analysis, cycle time analysis, manufacturing process simulation
• Schedule, organize, and lead meetings as required to gather and present information, brainstorm automation concepts, and keep stakeholders up to speed on project status
• Work with external vendors to specify, quote, and acquire the best commercial components for a given machine task
• Work with cross functional teams to ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged with the project
• Create complete, organized, detailed print packages and work with fabrication to ensure your parts are fabricated correctly
• Support the assembly, debug, and testing phases of the machine. Iteratively design and test new components as needed to accomplish the automation task
• Know and understand the project scope, specifications, and any regulatory requirements that are applicable to the machine being developed
• Know, understand and execute all company standard operating procedures related to the machine design and build process

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent from an accredited institution, or equivalent
• Experience with design and development of automated machinery
• An ability to creatively design and implement new solutions using a combination of intuition, analysis, creativity, and experience
• Experience designing parts for manufacturing via CNC. Experience with other manufacturing methods, e.g. Injection Molding, Forming, Additive Manufacturing a plus
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software
• Exceptional mechanical aptitude, a can-do attitude, and a strong desire to tinker and move forward even when circumstances are less than ideal
• Strong communication skills including MS office skills and the ability to effectively present project results and data in a concise manner

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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