Sr. Automation Controls Engineer

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What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to contribute to the design and development of new automation equipment and assembly lines.  

The Controls Engineer will work to develop machine and process concepts along with several Manufacturing Engineering peers. Candidate will create a robust system architecture to support the concept. Once the electrical panel is built, he/she will program all controls components such as PLC, safety devices, HMI, servo drives, process hardware and robots from power-on to debug, and finally to process fine tuning and validation. 

The Controls Engineer will also work with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the product and processes.  He/She will lead a small team of controls engineers and work closely with Product Design Engineering, Quality, Production and Maintenance to bring components from initial design, through prototype development and finally into full production. 

What You’ll Do

• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality and lead-time limits. 
• Architect, write, and debug PLC ladder logic with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), machine vision, and 3rd party equipment. 
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high volume manufacturing equipment. 
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting. 
• Introduce automated processes into production, and train and Maintenance and Production Teams to support after deployment into production 
• Create machine interactions with plant-wide Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and process variables. 
• Characterize and validate automated processes using a data driven approach such as simulation, Capacity and Capability statistical test (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility test, Cpk, etc) 
• Assembly Line Development and Implementation 
• Create data management and tracking communications network architecture and interface with cross-functional teams for product, processes and quality traceability control implementation 
• The ideal candidate takes pride in his/her hands-on work, analytical ability, organizational skills and attention to detail.  He/She appreciates an environment where superior work is encouraged, noticed and rewarded and where individuals carry tremendous responsibility.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, controls, electrical or equivalent
• 5+ years of controls engineering experience
• In depth knowledge of Electrical Standards (NFPA79, National Electric code, UL508A). 
• In depth knowledge of Safety standards (ANSI/RIA15.06, OSHA). 
• Advanced proficiency programming industrial equipment: Safety PLCs (Allen Bradley& Siemens) 
• Human Machine Interface (HMI / GUI – Allen Bradley, Siemens & Ignition) 
• Field bus Networks (Ethernet IP, ProfiNet, Safety rated field bus networks) 
• Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and database systems 
• Demonstrated excellence in programming PLCs. Must have a well-defined methodology for maintaining code structure and organization. Ability to program state machines for complex processes which involve multi-station parallel processing, pick and place automation, data acquisition, and PID control.  Proven ability to design fault-tolerant systems with error handling and recovery. 
• Open to travel up to 25% of the year to Tesla sites, facilitating installations and handoff to cross-functional team members. 

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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