What to Expect
The primary responsibilities of the Process Engineer, Production Planning are to eliminate waste in the production planning process and drive long-term improvements in demand forecasting, execution efficiency, and system capability. In addition, the Process Engineer will work with cross-functional teams to develop, introduce, and sustain optimized planning workflows, including value stream mapping for the end-to-end process, which encompasses demand generation, execution, sequencing, and ERP system integration.
The Process Engineer will be responsible for creating and optimizing tools to enable this, leveraging current industry resources and AI technologies. They will lead review boards and audit various information signals for the internal execution system. They will also liaise with equipment engineering, process engineering, systems engineering, and data analytics to streamline information flow. They will interface with design, test, manufacturing, and quality teams to solve problems, improve planning manufacturability, and implement continuous improvement. They will sustain planning processes with cost reductions and efficiency improvements. In addition, the Process Engineer will work with quality and analytics teams to compile and evaluate data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or system specifications.
What You'll Do
Develop expertise in production planning processes. Optimize value stream mapping and planning layouts to enhance demand flow, system integration, and efficiency while conducting process analysis, PFMEA, sequencing balancing, and capacity modeling/simulation
Participate in the transition of planning strategies from initial forecasting to full-scale execution. Initiate and drive strategies to rapidly ramp the accuracy and throughput of newly launched production plans to meet full capacity, with a focus on maintaining the highest safety standards and customer demand throughout the ramp duration
Champion continuous improvement projects (CIP) to maximize planning yield, capacity, and capability. Perform process/quality baseline studies, PFMEAs, and root cause analysis to proactively identify and address planning/execution issues
Be responsible for diagnosing issues found during the demand generation and sequencing process and driving corrective action back to the source, including but not limited to SIE/SQE, resulting in root cause identification and elimination. Utilize structured problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC, Ishikawa, Five Whys (5W), and Eight Disciplines (8D) to optimize key production planning outcomes
As a process planning owner, be responsible for interfacing with various cross-functional teams to drive both short-term and long-term outcomes—such as production, maintenance, design engineering, quality, and manufacturing. Synthesize, collate, and analyze data from ERP and factory data systems to identify and eliminate bottlenecks and reduce operational costs
Use a range of data collection, visualization, and analysis tools to achieve this goal. Enable data-driven operational and financial decisions through insights into planning and process performance, including integration of factory data systems and use of software such as MySQL, Python, R, JMP, Minitab, Tableau, and Ignition
Utilize a range of optimization and experimentation techniques to validate new demand signals, new planning processes, and to challenge existing limitations on high-volume production sequences
Develop and implement process/quality control strategies for production planning, including poka-yokes, testing, tooling, ERP/sequencing-tailored inspections, and maintaining planning instructions, routings, and associated processes
Develop, mentor, and train sustaining technicians and production controllers; assist in the training of operators as needed. Manage activities for process sustaining technicians to support day-to-day coverage of production planning, including developing and documenting appropriate rework procedures
What You'll Bring
2-3 years of experience in production environments, with a proven track record in resolving complex issues on fast-paced, high-volume production lines. High-speed manufacturing experience preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to thrive under pressure, optimize processes, and ensure operational efficiency in dynamic manufacturing settings
Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
Relevant certifications (e.g., APICS, Six Sigma, or data analysis tools like SQL/Python) are a plus but not mandatory
Strong problem-solving abilities, familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, and experience using data-driven approaches to troubleshoot and improve production workflows. Excellent communication skills to collaborate across teams in a high-stakes environment
Compensation and Benefits
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
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.
