Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Prototype Development Jobs in Palo Alto, CA at Tesla
Title: Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Prototype Development
Company: Tesla
Location: Palo Alto, CA
What To Expect
Tesla is seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Manufacturing Technician to play a critical role in pioneering first-to-industry prototype manufacturing processes and scaling them through to high-volume automation systems in Palo Alto, CA. In this role, you will work side-by-side with Manufacturing Engineers on the front lines of innovation — building prototype parts, designing and improving fixtures and tooling, optimizing processes, and supporting the full development and integration of advanced automated equipment. You will fabricate, assemble, troubleshoot, maintain, and refine both early-stage R&D prototypes and next-generation production lines. The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, thrives in fast-paced and ambiguous environments, and takes pride in delivering high-quality work while maintaining the highest standards of safety and precision.
What You'll Do
Fabrication, assembly, and modification of initial engineering prototype parts using manual tools, fixtures, and specialized lab equipment
Development and improvement of prototype parts and processes in an R&D environment
Providing direct feedback to engineers on build challenges, bottlenecks, and opportunities for design or process improvement
In-house fabrication and assembly of workstations, fixtures, and temporary tooling to support early-stage prototype builds
Design, fabrication, installation, calibration, testing, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, fixtures, and automation equipment
Assisting engineers with fixture design, equipment development, process optimization, and line modifications
Validating new equipment, fixtures, and processes for capability, repeatability, and capacity prior to production introduction
Safe operation, troubleshooting, and repair of complex automated equipment, industrial robotics, vision systems, and precision testing
Performing quality inspections, measurements, and QA/control tests using precision tools and diagnostic equipment
Following and improving SOPs, documenting yields, scrap, and equipment issues while participating in 5S, root-cause analysis
What You'll Bring
Strong hands-on experience fabricating and iterating prototype parts in fast-paced, rapidly changing R&D lab and prototype environments
Proven ability to build early-stage functional prototypes, temporary bridge tooling, and custom prototype parts using manual tools and lab equipment
Experience in SMT, PCB R&D/prototype environments or similar electronics manufacturing, including manual assembly, wiring, and scaling from lab prototypes to automation
Skilled in developing and fabricating mechanical equipment, fixtures, and tooling in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent)
Proficient in reading and interpreting mechanical blueprints, electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and equipment layouts (including AutoCAD)
Working knowledge of DC/AC electrical systems, basic PLC controls, DMMs, and PC-based diagnostic tools
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate closely with engineers and cross-functional teams
Degree in Advanced Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or related field preferred; 2+ years of hands-on prototype/high-volume manufacturing experience and ability to work flexible shifts/OT required
Benefits
Compensation and 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
Expected Compensation
$24.40 – $65.40/hour + cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
