What to Expect
The Optimus actuator team is seeking a skilled and highly motivated Gearbox Manufacturing Engineer to own the equipment, automation, and process systems that enable precision gearbox component manufacturing and assembly at scale. You will lead the full lifecycle of manufacturing and assembly equipment and cells—from specification and design through sourcing, installation, commissioning, and production qualification—while driving OEE, yield, cycle time, and scrap performance for complex geartrains used in humanoid robot actuators.
The ideal candidate thrives hands-on with production equipment and automation, combines strong engineering fundamentals with practical line ownership, is highly organized with excellent attention to detail, and delivers continuous improvement under the pace of a high-growth
What You'll Do-
Specify, design/source, procure, install, commission, and qualify equipment and automation for gearbox component manufacturing lines (e.g., gear/shaft/housing machining, finishing, heat treatment, metrology) and assembly cells—including CNC and automation cells, servo/hydraulic presses, automated fastening and torque systems, robotic cells, vision/traceability, leak and functional test stands, and related process controls—from concept through production readiness
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Own equipment RFQ, supplier selection, factory acceptance (FAT/SAT), installation, integration, and commissioning of component manufacturing and assembly assets; ensure seamless integration with upstream/downstream processes and the broader production line
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Improve OEE through upgrades, line balancing, automation enhancements, and continuous improvement on both component manufacturing and assembly equipment—reducing downtime, changeover loss, and process variation while increasing throughput and first-pass yield
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Develop and sustain preventive and predictive maintenance programs, tooling/fixtures, and controls (PLCs, robotics, sensors, and machine vision) for component manufacturing and assembly equipment to ensure robust, repeatable operation; design and maintain poka-yoke devices and process fixtures
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Troubleshoot equipment and process failures on the line, manage spare-parts strategy and critical spares inventory, and lead structured root-cause analysis (5-Why, fishbone, DOE as needed) with Quality and Design to eliminate recurring scrap, rework, and downtime drivers across manufacturing and assembly
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Support capacity planning and CapEx justification for new and upgraded component manufacturing and assembly assets; create equipment documentation (specs, SOPs, maintenance plans, training materials) and train operators, technicians, and engineers for production handoff
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Ensure safety compliance and EH&S readiness for all manufacturing and assembly equipment and processes—including machine guarding, LOTO, and safe handling of coolants, greases, adhesives, and press systems—and drive correct integration of new assets into existing processes and production lines
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Own process performance and track KPIs including yield, cycle time, scrap/rework, OEE, and equipment uptime for component manufacturing and assembly; publish status, drive corrective actions, and continuously raise process capability
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Own end-to-end process development for component manufacturing and gearbox assembly from prototype to production—defining sequences, work instructions, process flow, and critical parameters (machining/finishing targets, press forces, bearing preload, torque/angle, adhesive/sealant, grease fill) locked into equipment recipes, controls, and validation plans; scale technologies to high-volume (automotive-level) lines
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Partner with rest of the organization on DFM/DFA development for components and assemblies and execute process validation (Cp/Cpk, first-article component and assembly builds, GR&R, end-of-line tests) as part of equipment and process qualification; coordinate line layout, production handoff, and operator training
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3+ years specifying, procuring, installing, commissioning, and qualifying production equipment and/or automation for component manufacturing lines and/or assembly cells—including RFQ ownership, supplier management, FAT/SAT, and production ramp
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3+ years of hands-on experience in gearbox, actuator, or other precision rotary product manufacturing and/or assembly process development
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Proven proficiency in precision mechanical processes: machining/finishing of precision components, press fits, bearing installation and preload, shaft stack-ups and fastener selection
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Ability to read and apply complex mechanical drawings and GD&T for components and assemblies including bearings, gears, shafts, housings, and actuators
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3D CAD experience for fixture and tooling design (preferably CATIA/3DX or SolidWorks)
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Familiarity with manufacturing and assembly equipment and controls: CNC/automation cells, servo/hydraulic presses, digital torque tools, fixtures, sensors, and industrial communication protocols
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Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field preferred (graduate-level education more preferred), or equivalent experience
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Background in component manufacturing processes for gears, shafts, and housings (machining, finishing, grinding, heat treatment processes, and metrology) preferred
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Experience with SPC, PFMEA, control plans, predictive maintenance tools, and lean manufacturing on manufacturing and assembly lines preferred
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Familiarity with PLC programming, robot teach/programming, vision system setup, or automation programming for manufacturing and assembly cells preferred
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
