Automation Equipment Engineer, Body in White,… at Tesla · Brookshire

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Robotics Equipment Engineer to join our innovative manufacturing team. In this role, you’ll play a key part in designing, sustaining, and improving the next generation of robotic automation systems that power our high-volume production lines. You’ll collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Controls, and Manufacturing teams to ensure world-class equipment reliability, safety, and performance. This position demands hands-on expertise in robotics, automation, and mechanical systems, with a focus on continuous improvement, cross-functional leadership, and end-to-end ownership of equipment lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep expertise in manufacturing processes, analyze production data, and evaluate equipment capabilities to drive process optimization and scalability
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives to redesign line layouts, improve material flow, reduce waste, and enhance ergonomics during product transition from prototype to mass production
• Optimize production equipment to maximize safety, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, and throughput; lead continuous improvement projects with measurable KPIs
• Commission and sustain automated systems using KUKA robots, including programming, safety integration (Dual Check), and validation of robot paths, motion logic, and emergency stop systems
• Develop and enhance KUKA.KRL and KUKA.VisionTech programs to improve accuracy, repeatability, and reliability in fastening, pick-and-place, welding, and sealing operations
• Utilize KUKA.WorkVisual, KUKA.Sim, and SmartPAD GUI for offline programming, simulation, and troubleshooting; ensure seamless integration with shop floor operations
• Support 24/7 production operations by responding to equipment failures, performing root cause analysis, escalating issues appropriately, and implementing corrective actions
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and control system issues using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, FMEA)
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for robotic systems, including safety interlocks, LOTO procedures, fixture interfaces, and collision avoidance; lead safety buyoffs prior to production launch
• Take end-to-end ownership of equipment documentation, define and enforce new standards for technical drawings, work instructions, maintenance manuals, and as-built records

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience in high-volume manufacturing environments with a strong focus on automation, safety, and equipment reliability
• Proven experience (minimum 3 years) programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining KUKA industrial robots, including KRL scripting and safety system integration
• Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical design using SolidWorks and/or CATIA; experience with CAD-based documentation and design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Strong foundation in engineering mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, and statics; ability to analyze and validate mechanical systems under real-world loads
• Experience specifying, sourcing, and overseeing installation of large-scale automation equipment, including vendor management and technical procurement
• Proficient in electrical design and modification using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN; experience with PLCs (Siemens, Beckhoff), HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking
• Hands-on experience with electromechanical systems including pneumatic circuits, actuators, sensors, motors, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) design
• Familiarity with industrial automation interfaces such as Atlas Copco fastening tools, Cognex/Keyence vision systems, Hipot testers, CTS leak testers, and weld controllers
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills; self-driven, detail-oriented, and capable of leading cross-functional efforts with minimal supervision

Compensation and benefits