Introduction to the Role and Company
Tesla, a pioneer in the electric vehicle and clean energy industry, is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to join its elite team of architects responsible for designing, manufacturing, and deploying automation solutions for its battery cell and energy manufacturing facilities. As a Technical Program Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving the development and implementation of cutting-edge automation technologies that enable the production of Tesla's innovative 4680 battery cells at high velocity.
Job Overview
In this role, you will lead cross-functional teams in designing, testing, and deploying automation hardware projects, including production-critical integrations with controls automation systems, factory software systems, and manufacturing data infrastructure. Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering projects to Tesla's California Pilot Battery Cell Line, Texas Gigafactory, Berlin Gigafactory, and other clean energy facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cross-functional teams in design reviews, functional testing, installation, commissioning, resource and dependency planning, coordination of activities, vendor relationships, oversight of contractors, and clear communication of project status and risk.
- Continuously monitor and measure project cycles and activities to identify and communicate potential issues, risks, or problems in a timely manner and provide remedial action options to mitigate them.
- Use manufacturing and controls engineering knowledge to help the team address manufacturing issues, identify, and resolve opportunities for improvement.
- Identify significant risks and conditions; manage and take steps to properly mitigate them. Track and eliminate blockers to keep your projects moving at Tesla speed.
- Build and maintain strong relationships that foster a culture of open communication. Build cross-functional teams that work well together in efficient, transparent ways.
- Communicate with stakeholders across a wide variety of teams within Cell Engineering, from process experts to manufacturing specialists to production/operations to construction and facilities, and control engineers company-wide.
- Empower the team to achieve exceptional engineering and designs across controls, testing, devices, and hardware by collaborating with key technical leaders, and ensuring each team is intentional in their design/project approach.
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Experience working on a large-scale plant launching project; Controls Engineering experience preferred, but contributions from other disciplines are also welcome: Electrical, Process, Mechanical, Manufacturing Design, Program or Project Management/Project Engineering in manufacturing/factory settings.
- Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to understand and communicate complex technical projects in clear and simple ways to diverse audiences.
- Ability to stay engaged, drive taking, and positive in a fast-paced environment under extreme conditions, owning tasks and taking full responsibility for overall team success.
- Experience managing engineering projects and teams - planning distributed, complex cross-functional teams, establishing team processes, coordinating needs and objectives, and driving meetings.
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, the following qualifications are highly desirable:
- Experience in a greenfield plant launching project from start to finish, as a contributing Engineer or Project Specialist.
- Experience working in a high-velocity manufacturing environment like battery cells, fast consumer goods, power devices, or automotive suppliers.
- Experience in manufacturing controls development in any PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) platform, including Beckhoff or Siemens.
- Experience creating processes and systems to support specific engineering workflows.
- Experience with Agile methodology, design management, and Jira.
- A history of contributing outstanding work to complex engineering projects as a technical contributor.
- A college degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a hard science discipline, or equivalent experience.
Skills and Competencies
To excel in this role, you will need to possess:
- Strong technical skills in automation controls engineering, with experience in designing and deploying automation solutions for manufacturing facilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate risks and issues.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in managing engineering projects and teams.
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Tesla, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages learning, growth, and innovation. As a Technical Program Manager, you will have the opportunity to:
- Work on cutting-edge automation technologies and projects that are transforming the electric vehicle and clean energy industry.
- Collaborate with experienced engineers and technical leaders to develop and implement innovative solutions.
- Develop your leadership and management skills, with opportunities to manage and mentor cross-functional teams.
- Enhance your technical skills and knowledge in automation controls engineering, with access to training and development programs.
Work Environment and Company Culture
Tesla is committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and supportive of all employees. We offer a range of benefits and perks, including:
- Competitive salary and bonus structure.
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
- Opportunities for career growth and development.
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects.
- A dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package, including a salary of $35 per hour, as well as a range of benefits and perks, such as:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) matching program.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Access to on-site fitness centers and wellness programs.
- Opportunities for career growth and development.
Conclusion
If you are a motivated and experienced technical professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Technical Program Manager at Tesla, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge automation technologies, collaborate with experienced engineers and technical leaders, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that are transforming the electric vehicle and clean energy industry. Apply now to join our team and be a part of the Tesla mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.
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