Training Manager, Solar Manufacturing

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Training and Organizational Development leader to build and manage a comprehensive training program at our upcoming solar manufacturing facility. In this launch role, you will establish the training organization from the ground up — defining strategy, standards, and timelines pre-SOP while partnering with Operations and Engineering ahead of production start.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive training and organizational development strategy for solar manufacturing operations, covering post-start onboarding, ongoing development, and long-term capability building.
• Collaborate with management to assess organizational training needs, identify skill gaps, and establish prioritized development plans aligned with business objectives.
• Build, lead, and scale the training team from inception — including hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management of Content Creators, Learning Systems Specialists, and Training Coordinators.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, and Operations leadership to align training priorities with production goals and ensure seamless implementation of training systems.
• Partner with the Quality Systems team to enhance training certification processes and lead internal audits to ensure adherence to training requirements and standards.
• Design and deliver training programs, learning initiatives, and leadership development curricula tailored to specific manufacturing disciplines and operational needs.
• Lead the technical writing team to maintain and update manufacturing instructions, process documentation, and equipment operation guides in alignment with engineering-approved revisions.
• Oversee LMS implementation and administration, ensuring accurate tracking, training assignments, completion records, versatility chart management, and compliance reporting.
• Manage the training department budget, including resource allocation, vendor relationships, and technology investments to effectively support training objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of experience leading and managing cross-functional teams in a manufacturing or industrial setting, with at least 5 years of hands-on experience delivering classroom and on-the-job training in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and executing organizational development roadmaps, training strategies, and implementation plans. Proven experience building and scaling large teams, particularly within launch or ramp-up environments.
• Strong foundation in L&D principles, instructional design, and Learning Management Systems (LMS) administration and utilization. Demonstrated familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) applied to training and organizational development.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Highly organized with strong attention to detail; demonstrated accountability, personal leadership, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience managing budgets and resource planning; willingness to travel domestically and internationally, with increased frequency during pre-ramp phases.

Qualifications

• Degree in Education or a related field preferred or equivalent experience.

Skills

• Proven experience in developing and delivering training programs in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong foundation in L&D principles, instructional design, and Learning Management Systems (LMS) administration and utilization.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; demonstrated accountability, personal leadership, and a continuous improvement mindset.

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
• 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, Tesla