Manufacturing Process Engineer, Metal Forming

What to Expect

This team is responsible for developing, qualifying, and industrializing manufacturing processes for stamping and metal forming — both for new shops and for modifications to existing shops. Through understanding program requirements and collaborating with cross-functional teams, this team ensures processes are capable, integrated, and able to meet Tesla’s quality, rate, and cost objectives. 

Tesla is looking for a highly motivated Manufacturing Process Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can own process design from concept through production. You will use a first-principles approach to define how parts are made — including process parameters, shop layout, warehouse planning, batch size, packaging, and material flow within the shop. 

What You’ll Do

• Develop, qualify, and optimize stamping and metal forming processes (stamping press, brake press, panel bender, laser) for new shops and for changes to existing shops 

• Define and validate process parameters, dies, tooling, lubrication, and material handling to meet geometry, flatness, edge quality, cycle time, and process capability (Cpk) 

• Plan shop layout, warehouse planning, batch size, packaging, and in-shop material flow so stamping and metal forming run as one capable process 

• Partner with product design, tooling suppliers, quality, and operations on DFM/DFA, PFMEA, equipment/process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and industrialization of new designs 

• Integrate automation — including robotics, PLCs, sensors, and vision systems — into the process to improve throughput, inspection, and material flow 

• Troubleshoot process, tooling, and automation issues on the production floor; lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and put in permanent fixes that reduce scrap and downtime 

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma — setup reduction, scrap reduction, yield, and waste minimization 

• Support NPI and production ramp by transferring processes into manufacturing, writing work instructions and process controls, and training operators and technicians 

• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing engineering on process requirements such as cycle time, layout, and tooling; support RFQs with process input through project phases 

• Coordinate with Mechanical Design, Quality Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering; ensure processes meet safety, quality, and environmental requirements 

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or equivalent experience 

• Experience with manufacturing process engineering, process lines, and automation; experience with brake presses, panel benders, and lasers is a plus. Experience with layout planning, warehouse planning, material flow, batch size, and packaging  

• Proficiency in CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD 

• Strong project and vendor management skills 

• Strong understanding of equipment safety and safety compliance 

• Proactive and results-driven in fast-paced, dynamic environments 

• Organized and able to deliver tasks on time under tight deadlines 

• Applies structured problem-solving methods to resolve engineering challenges 

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to support equipment supplier visits, trials, and buyoffs 

Compensation and Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > 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 Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible 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 (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly 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