Tesla Process Control Engineer Cathode Manufacturing 

United States, Texas, Austin 

989318762

Process Controls Engineers are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems across materials processing and manufacturing operations, ensuring the smooth operation of systems around the clock. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design, operations, and maintenance, to implement improvements, resolve system issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The position requires expertise in manufacturing controls, particularly for equipment used in material conveyance, milling, mixing, pressing, dryers, kilns, and robotic systems.

In addition to supporting day-to-day operations, Controls Engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining equipment control standards, programming hardware and robots, and actively assisting with the commissioning and review processes for new projects. Additional duties include conducting audits, managing installations, and performing safety assessments to ensure all systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.

• Program and debug control logic using structured text, ladder logic, and function block diagrams on PLC and DCS systems
• Develop code that adheres to established standards, ensuring it is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable
• Design and implement robust programs and control sequences for complex, multi-station machinery involved in processes such as material conveyance, milling, mixing, pressing, drying, kiln operations, and robotics
• Create intuitive Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) using platforms such as Emerson DeltaV Live, Siemens WinCC, Beckhoff TCHMI, and others
• Set up, troubleshoot, and tune servo systems and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for consistent and reliable operational performance (ABB, Siemens, Schneider, B&R, SEW)
• Design and implement reliable safety control systems to protect robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including Root Cause Investigations (RCIs), by identifying and implementing corrective actions (e.g., optimizing control sequences, enhancing equipment interfaces)
• Oversee interface with Tesla’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to troubleshoot and ensure seamless data integration into production databases

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Automation, or Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or at least 5 years of experience in sustaining or designing control systems
• Proficiency with DCS systems, particularly Emerson DeltaV or Honeywell TDC/Experion
• Experience with PLC systems, with preference given to Siemens, Beckhoff, or B&R platforms
• Experience with Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), including DeltaV Live, WinCC, TCHMI, and Ignition
• Proficiency creating P&ID drawings and the ability to create and interpret detailed electrical and mechanical schematics using CAD tools (EPLAN preferred)
• Comfortable working in environments where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) may be required for safety compliance