Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Optimus Assembly & Test

CategoryManufacturingLocationAUSTIN, TexasRequisition ID277928TypeFull-timeJob DescriptionTesla is seeking a seasoned and highly technical Manager in Manufacturing Engineering, to lead the Assembly and Test team for Optimus. This is a critical leadership role for someone who is humble, hungry, and smart — a hands-on people manager who is the best at what they do and can rapidly learn and adapt to the unique demands of robotics manufacturing. You will own the end-to-end product launch journey, from DFM through line commissioning and rate ramp, while building and developing a world-class engineering team in Austin. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and are passionate about building the future of humanoid robotics at scale, this role is for you.

Job ResponsibilitiesBuild and Lead a High-Performing Team: Recruit, develop, and retain a team of manufacturing engineers who embody Tesla's values - humble, hungry, and smart. Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and disciplined executionDrive End-to-End Product Launches: Own the full product launch lifecycle for Optimus Assembly and Test - from early-stage concept through prototype, pilot, and high-volume production ramp — ensuring on-time delivery at designed rateLead DFM and Design Simplification: Partner with hardware and design engineering teams early in the product development cycle to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives. Simplify product designs to enable mass manufacturability, with a bias toward innovative solutions that reduce complexity and cost Develop Processes and Equipment: Lead the development, specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning of assembly and test equipment. Ensure lines are brought up on schedule and validated to meet quality and throughput requirementsRamp Lines to Designed Rate: Drive line balancing, capacity planning, and bottleneck resolution to ramp assembly and test lines to designed production rates. Implement robust process controls and monitoring to sustain rate and qualityCommunicate Effectively Across All Levels: Deliver clear, concise, and data-driven updates to senior leadership and executives. Proactively surface risks, propose solutions, and align stakeholders across cross-functional teams including Design, Quality, Supply Chain, and OperationsChampion Process Discipline and Continuous Improvement: Model and enforce engineering rigor and operational discipline within the team. Apply first-principles thinking to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and drive scalable automation where appropriateEnsure Seamless Handover to Operations: Develop comprehensive documentation, work instructions, and training materials to enable a smooth transition from engineering to sustaining operations teams Job RequirementsProven People Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing and growing engineering teams. Known for building cohesive, high-performing teams and holding yourself and others to a high standard of excellence and accountabilityStrong background in mechanical assembly, electromechanical integration, and test system developmentProficiency in CAD tools (CATIA and AutoCAD preferred)Familiarity with automation equipment, control systems, torque tools, and communication protocols (PLC, HMI, SCADA)Hands-on experience with quality control matrices, testing protocols, and troubleshooting methodologiesEnd-to-End Launch Experience: Proven track record of launching new products from concept through high-volume production, including DFM, process/equipment development, line installation, commissioning, and rate rampRobotics or Complex Electromechanical Manufacturing: Experience in robotics, automotive, aerospace, or similarly complex manufacturing environments. Ability to learn and adapt quickly to the unique challenges of humanoid robotics manufacturingExecutive Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present clearly and confidently to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholdersSelf-Driven and Disciplined: Highly self-motivated with strong personal discipline. Able to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a fast-paced, ambiguous environmentBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience