Robotics Engineer (m/f/d), General Assembly - Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg

What to Expect

Tesla is seeking a Robotics Engineer on the Core Automation Engineering (CAE) team to design, plan, and improve robotic manufacturing equipment for General Assembly in Berlin — with and without vendors. You will own industrial robotics on Tesla production lines, from system design and simulation through programming, commissioning, and continuous improvement. This covers robotics solutions across automotive projects: new installations, new product introductions, upgrades, and process optimization. 

PLC knowledge is required to integrate robots into multi-station equipment and keep lines running safely, reliably, and at rate. You should start with strong robotics skills (KUKA, Fanuc) and solid PLC knowledge. Broader automation skills (vision, HMI, AutoCAD, Python, etc.) can be built on the job. The role requires the aptitude and drive to learn all aspects of automation so equipment can be sustained end to end. 

You will anticipate production risks already in the planning phase, so new equipment is implemented smoothly. All automated processes are planned, assembled, and tested at Tesla Berlin, with the goal of delivering innovative solutions that support Tesla’s manufacturing targets.

What You’ll Do

• Design and select robotic systems for material handling, dispense, fastening, welding, and related applications 

• Create simulations and offline programs (Process Simulate, Delmia, KUKA.Sim, Robcad) 

• Program and teach industrial robots (KUKA, Fanuc, ABB), including DCS, KUKA Safe, KRL, and Karel 

• Sequence complex, multi-station cells (pick-and-place, dispense, fastening, welding, conveyance) 

• Develop custom robot application code to interface with new technologies 

• Test new robot software and hardware; drive equipment upgrades for serviceability, reliability, and process capability 

• Support maintenance on difficult breakdowns and chronic failures; own root-cause analysis for robot-related downtime 

• Build and maintain robotics documentation: procedures, training, maintenance routines, and service bulletins 

PLC & Line Integration 

• Program, troubleshoot, and configure PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff) in ladder, ST, and SCL as needed for robot cells and line control 

• Integrate process and test equipment with Tesla MES and quality databases (Python, SQL) 

• Develop and improve equipment validation, calibration, and qualification procedures 

• Identify critical spare parts and prevent extended downtime 

Cross-functional 

• Partner with Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance to keep lines safe, efficient, and capable 

• Drive continuous process optimization on automated equipment 

• Apply structured problem solving (DMAIC, 8D) and equipment-related OCAP / SPC where relevant 

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s / Master’s / Dipl.-Ing. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or Computer Engineering, Computer Science — or equivalent experience 

• At least 3 years of hands-on industrial robot programming and commissioning (KUKA, Fanuc, ABB) 

• Strong high-level and background robot programming skills; mechanical and electrical troubleshooting of robot systems 

• Experience with robot simulation and offline programming 

• Solid PLC programming, troubleshooting, and configuration experience 

• Application experience in areas such as spot weld, stud weld, adhesive, SPR, vision, arc weld, or roll hemming 

• Strong written and spoken German and English 

• Ability to manage multiple projects; willing to work days, nights, and weekends as project needs require 

• Commitment to Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy 

Nice to Have

• Multiple robot brands; virtual commissioning of robotic systems 

• Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Fanuc) 

• Industrial sensors and production equipment (LVDTs, pressure transducers, dispense systems, nutrunners, etc.) 

• Programming of industrial PCs, motor controllers; Python, C/C++, Java, ROS 

• Automotive or high-volume manufacturing experience