Quality Process Engineer, Optimus

The Optimus Quality Process Engineer will work as a member of Tesla’s Quality organization, supporting the production of high-quality humanoid robots. The primary objective is to drive continual improvement of process and product quality for Optimus through robust systems, data-driven methods, and cross-functional collaboration. This role is critical for sustaining Quality Operations and scaling production of advanced humanoid robots.

About the Role

• Develop deep expertise in Optimus manufacturing processes, including precision assembly, actuator integration, sensor calibration, and humanoid robot testing.
• Understand process capabilities through critical data analysis and product knowledge.
• Create and maintain Work Instructions, Non-Conformance Material workflows and associated processes for Optimus Quality Inspection and Testing.
• Develop and train sustaining technicians/supervisors, assist in the training of associates as needed.
• Conduct capacity modeling, line balancing, time studies, and discrete event simulation to optimize quality inspection, validations and testing.
• Develop and modify layouts using Lean Manufacturing best practices tailored to humanoid robot assembly lines.
• Perform data analysis using DOEs, Gage R&R, and process capability studies to support equipment and process decisions.
• Conduct root cause analysis of complex electromechanical and robotic systems using structured problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC, Ishikawa, 5 Whys, and 8D.
• Establish meaningful internal metrics and lead continuous improvement activities to drive improvements in critical KPIs: safety, quality, output, and cost for Optimus production.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, making the Optimus production environment more efficient, safer, and enjoyable.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep expertise in Optimus manufacturing processes, including precision assembly, actuator integration, sensor calibration, and humanoid robot testing.
• Understand process capabilities through critical data analysis and product knowledge.
• Create and maintain Work Instructions, Non-Conformance Material workflows and associated processes for Optimus Quality Inspection and Testing.
• Develop and train sustaining technicians/supervisors, assist in the training of associates as needed.
• Conduct capacity modeling, line balancing, time studies, and discrete event simulation to optimize quality inspection, validations and testing.
• Develop and modify layouts using Lean Manufacturing best practices tailored to humanoid robot assembly lines.
• Perform data analysis using DOEs, Gage R&R, and process capability studies to support equipment and process decisions.
• Conduct root cause analysis of complex electromechanical and robotic systems using structured problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC, Ishikawa, 5 Whys, and 8D.
• Establish meaningful internal metrics and lead continuous improvement activities to drive improvements in critical KPIs: safety, quality, output, and cost for Optimus production.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, making the Optimus production environment more efficient, safer, and enjoyable.

Requirements

• Degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Robotics or other Engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Quality systems experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally with mechanical, electromechanical, or robotic systems (automotive or robotics experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in launching and improving manufacturing processes in a high-volume production environment.
• Demonstrated success applying quality problem-solving methods such as fishbone diagrams, FMEA, process capability analysis, hypothesis testing, DoE, and SPC.
• Experience with a broad variety of measurement and inspection techniques, including those relevant to precision robotics and automation.
• Project management experience balancing multiple projects while working cross-functionally with technical, manufacturing, and training teams.
• Proficiency in Excel/VBA; experience with SQL, Python/R, CAD, or simulation tools is a plus.

Qualifications

• None specified.

Skills

• Quality systems experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally with mechanical, electromechanical, or robotic systems (automotive or robotics experience strongly preferred).
• Experience with a broad variety of measurement and inspection techniques, including those relevant to precision robotics and automation.
• Project management experience balancing multiple projects while working cross-functionally with technical, manufacturing, and training teams.
• Proficiency in Excel/VBA; experience with SQL, Python/R, CAD, or simulation tools is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction.
• 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.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits.
• 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.

Pay

• Expected Compensation $84,000 - $216,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits.
• Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

• Not specified.