Associate Manager, Controls Engineering, LFP Cell Manufacturing

Description:
Tesla is seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and forward-thinking Associate Manager, Controls Engineering to help define and execute the future of LFP cell manufacturing. This role is instrumental in architecting, developing, and scaling the control systems and automation infrastructure that drive the production of Tesla’s next-generation battery cell technologies. This is not just an engineering role, it’s a technical leadership opportunity to own the end-to-end controls and automation strategy for some of the most innovative energy storage technologies in the world. The role leads the design, development, and optimization of control systems, motion/servo architectures, and automation platforms for cutting-edge battery cell production lines, and drives long-term controls architecture strategy, standardizing PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial networking frameworks to influence the scalability, flexibility, and reliability of Tesla’s core cell technologies. It requires close cross-functional collaboration with Design, Process, Production, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure a seamless, controls-validated transition from cell concept to mass production, as well as partnership with global OEM and automation suppliers to deliver high-performance, tightly-controlled manufacturing tools that meet Tesla’s aggressive quality, speed, and cost targets.

Responsibilities:

Oversee the development of advanced machine safety and functional safety systems (safety PLCs, safety-rated I/O, interlocks, LOTO, arc-flash mitigation), mentor others, and drive a long-term safety culture in compliance with OSHA, ISO, TÜV, NFPA-70E, IEC 61508/62061, and ISO 13849
Define and own the controls architecture and standards across production lines, PLC/PAC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Siemens/Beckhoff), HMI/SCADA, industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT), and motion/servo and drive systems
Proficient in Agile methodologies, OKRs, and management of high-performing controls teams. Able to support 24/7 sustaining operations with robust controls coverage, remote diagnostics, and rapid recovery strategies. Consistently improves and optimizes operations across safety, people, accuracy, rate, and cost
Lead cross-functional projects (RCA, OCAPs, NPI, CAPA) to improve process and product efficiency by integrating automation, closed-loop control, machine vision, and predictive analytics
Knowledgeable in SPC, capability analysis, and quality methods (DMAIC, 8D), process change management, and risk-based control design (PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, Risk Assessments)
Lead the design and implementation of control programs for entire industrial systems, integrating advanced control algorithms (PID, closed-loop, model-based), high-speed data acquisition and logging (historians, time-series databases), and optimization techniques to improve cycle times, throughput, and yield
Program-manage the development and optimization of automated equipment and controls for high-volume manufacturing, delivering real-time data feedback, in-line metrology integration, traceability, and error-proofing (poka-yoke) mechanisms
Clearly define expectations for the controls engineering team that improve overall manufacturing line performance (OEE, uptime, first-pass yield) and provide engineering mechanisms for 24/7 controls coverage
Drive controls and automation improvement activities from inception through closure using the engineering resources on the team
Field and coordinate team response to emergent issues (equipment downtime, controls faults, yield excursions, failures) with structured triage and rapid root-cause resolution

Requirements:

Degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related Engineering discipline, or equivalent experience
7+ years of relevant experience in controls engineering, automation, and manufacturing equipment development, ideally in interdisciplinary/integrated engineering and process development environments
Hands-on expertise with PLC/PAC programming, HMI/SCADA development, servo/motion control, industrial networking, and instrumentation/sensing for automated production equipment
Working understanding of lithium-ion battery technology, material selection, fabrication, cell design, assembly, testing, and failure mode analysis, and how it drives controls and process-control requirements. Hands-on experience with Li-ion cell product development is a strong plus
Background in the design, commissioning, and ramp of automated equipment for high-volume products, including OEM integration and acceptance testing (FAT/SAT)
Evidence of deep understanding of controls and engineering fundamentals and the ability to apply them to manufacturing process development, including transferring technologies and control strategies from R&D into mass production
Proven ability to manage multiple projects, problem-solve, and make decisions to meet deliverables amid changing requirements, deadlines, and priorities
Exceptional technical communication (live reporting, written documentation, and data presentation)