Process Engineer, Manufacturing (New Grad)

About This Role

Tesla is hiring New Grad Process Engineers to work in its Gigafactory manufacturing operations. You will develop and scale the processes that produce Tesla's battery cells, powertrains, and vehicle assemblies — at production volumes and speeds unmatched in the automotive industry. Tesla moves fast and expects engineers to do the same.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Process Engineer, Manufacturing (New Grad)
• Company: Tesla
• Location: Austin, TX / Fremont, CA / Sparks, NV / Lathrop, CA / Buffalo, NY
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (new grad)
• Salary Range: $25–$42/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-05-25
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-25

Role Context

Tesla's Gigafactories are high-speed, highly automated manufacturing environments where process engineers are expected to solve problems and implement improvements in days, not months. New grad engineers are given real ownership over production processes or automated equipment systems from their first month. Tesla's flat organization means you will interact directly with senior engineers and operations directors regularly.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and scale manufacturing processes for battery cells, packs, or vehicle assembly
• Develop automated tooling sequences in collaboration with controls and robotics engineers
• Analyze production data in real time to identify process deviations and drive corrections
• Own process documentation including PFMEAs, control plans, and standard work
• Partner with equipment engineers to optimize cycle time and reduce downtime
• Support product transfers from R&D into high-volume production
• Respond to quality escapes and implement permanent solutions quickly

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
• Strong fundamentals in process engineering, statistics, and design of experiments (DOE)
• Comfort with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or Excel at minimum)
• Hands-on engineering mindset — willing to work in the factory and get your hands dirty
• Ability to work at a fast pace with changing priorities and minimal direction
• US work authorization required

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $25–$42/hr with Tesla stock awards (RSUs) vesting over 4 years
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Free Tesla Supercharger access for personal vehicles
• Employee Tesla vehicle purchase and lease program
• On-site cafeteria, fitness facilities, and shuttle service at Gigafactory locations

Who Should Apply

Tesla suits engineers who want maximum ownership and speed of growth in exchange for intensity and ambiguity. If you want to own a process — not just support one — and you can operate effectively without heavy structure, Tesla's new grad manufacturing roles will accelerate your career faster than most alternatives. Not the right fit if you prefer a structured, process-heavy environment.

About the Company

Tesla is the world's leading electric vehicle and energy company, operating Gigafactories in Texas, California, Nevada, New York, Germany, and China. Its manufacturing operations are among the most automated in the world, setting new benchmarks for production efficiency in the automotive industry.

How to Apply

Apply at Tesla Careers using the link above. Search "Process Engineer" or "Manufacturing Engineer" and filter by New Grad or Entry Level. Tesla's process is fast — expect a technical phone screen and one or two interview rounds with the manufacturing team. Decisions are often made within 2 weeks.