Joining Equipment Engineer

Tesla Motors, Inc.
72,000 - 151,200 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, New York, Buffalo
Dec 02, 2025
What to Expect Tesla is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Joining Equipment Engineer to join our dynamic team at Gigafactory New York. This role combines hands-on equipment maintenance and optimization with sustaining and improving joining processes for commercial-scale energy storage products. You will maintain and upgrade automated systems, resolve production issues, and drive continuous improvements to support high-volume production of innovative Tesla products. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineering, quality, and production, will be key to minimizing downtime, enhancing yield, and implementing lean solutions in a fast-paced environment. What You'll Do Serve as a subject matter expert in maintaining and upgrading tooling, fixtures, and automated robotic systems for BIW processes, including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Resistance Spot Welding (RSW), and structural adhesives; respond to 24/7 breakdowns to minimize downtime and ensure production stability Train production associates on manufacturing instructions, welding procedures, and updated processes; manage welding procedure qualifications and generate documentation for manufacturing teams Collaborate with equipment vendors, in-house prototyping teams, Controls Engineers, and Process Engineers to develop solutions from concept to production, including design, fabrication, and qualification of new joining tools and automation Investigate and implement countermeasures for process issues; execute experiments, analyze data, and support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives across BIW and energy lines Set up and operate welding/joining processes for lab tests; interpret requirements, review procedures, and troubleshoot welding problems in RSW, GMAW MIG/MAG, and related destructive/nondestructive tests Apply lean manufacturing principles to monitor yield, fallout, and critical parameters for joining processes in energy storage production; troubleshoot and root cause test failures, including data collection, DOE, GR&R, and rework process development to improve Cpk and product yield Provide technical support to maintenance teams for BIW and joining equipment issues; create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, training programs, schedules, cost estimates, and spare parts management Analyze manufacturing processes for opportunities in efficiency, cost reduction, and risk elimination using structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, Ishikawa, 5 Whys, 8D) What You'll Bring Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Metallurgy Engineering or the equivalent experience Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with automation, electromechanical systems, PLCs, robotics (e.g., Fanuc) Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with sustaining, improving, and operating welding processes, such as RSW, GMAW, MIG/MAG Minimum 1 years of hands-on experience with welding controllers (e.g., WTC, Lincoln Power Wave) Proven familiarity with destructive/nondestructive testing (DT/NDT) Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills under tight deadlines, with experience resolving high-level performance issues into actionable steps; ability to read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics Practical experience sustaining and improving production lines, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Poke Yoke, and elimination of design risks Understanding of complex automation control systems, safety protocols (e.g., lockout/tagout, arc flash), and collaboration with cross-functional teams Knowledge of 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks) and GD&T/design principles is a plus 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) 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 Expected Compensation Associate Manufacturing Equipment Engineer - $72,000 - $108,000/annual salary Manufacturing Equipment Engineer - $86,400 - $129,600/annual salary Sr Manufacturing Equipment Engineer - $100,800 - $151,200/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits for all levels 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.