Automation Controls Engineer – Tesla – Markham, ON

Tesla is looking for a skilled Automation Controls Engineer to join their team in Markham, Ontario. This is a hands-on engineering role at the forefront of advanced manufacturing — contributing directly to automation systems for Optimus, cell manufacturing, energy products, and vehicle general assembly. If you thrive in fast-moving environments where your code powers real-world machines, this role puts you right in the thick of it.

Day to day, you’ll be designing and programming automation and process control systems — from initial concept through full production deployment. You’ll work alongside cross-functional teams spanning Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Project Management, taking systems from power-on all the way to fine-tuned process validation.

About the Role: Automation Controls Engineer

As an Automation Controls Engineer at Tesla, you’ll be responsible for architecting and writing structured text logic for PLCs, building out HMI screens for complex machinery, and implementing control-reliable safety systems that meet ANSI, RIA15.06, and OSHA standards. Your code will interface with subsystems including conveyors, welding systems, machine vision, LabView, and Tesla’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Beyond programming, you’ll play a critical role in ramping manufacturing lines, training maintenance and production teams post-deployment, and leading your own continuous improvement initiatives. A data-driven approach — using simulation, Gage R&R, Cpk, and capability testing — is central to how you’ll characterize and validate automated processes. Travel is required, up to 25% regularly and as much as 50% during peak project seasons, with valid passport required.

Benefits and Salary

Tesla offers a competitive compensation package depending on level: Associate Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer earns $73,920–$110,880/year; Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer earns $83,600–$125,400/year; Senior Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer earns $95,040–$142,560/year; and Staff Manufacturing Controls Dev Engineer earns $111,760–$161,760/year. All levels also receive cash and stock awards. Full-time employees are eligible from day one for company-paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance; an RRSP with employer match; Employee Stock Purchase Plans; Parental Success Programs; the Tesla Babies program; sick and vacation time; paid holidays; an Employee Assistance Program; and Tesla product discounts and fitness perks.

Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll touch every phase of automation equipment’s lifecycle — from writing the first lines of code to training the teams who’ll run the line after launch. Your work directly impacts manufacturing reliability, throughput, and product quality across Tesla’s most critical production systems.

• Architect and debug structured text PLC logic that is organized, documented, maintainable, and reusable — with robust error handling and recovery built in
• Implement safety systems compliant with ANSI, RIA15.06, and OSHA standards, safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and high-volume manufacturing equipment
• Design HMI screens that are intuitive for operators while providing sufficient diagnostic feedback for troubleshooting complex machinery
• Ramp manufacturing lines including automation equipment, robots, electromechanical systems, PLCs, motion controls, and vision systems
• Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time, improve availability, and increase yield
• Introduce automated processes into production and train maintenance and production teams to support equipment after deployment
• Interface with Tesla’s MES to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and process variables
• Characterize and validate automated processes using a data-driven approach including simulation, Gage R&R, and Cpk statistical testing
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on creating reliable and efficient control code

Requirements / Skills

Tesla is looking for a hands-on Controls Engineer with demonstrated experience programming industrial automation systems and a solid grounding in electrical and safety standards. Candidates at all experience levels are welcome to apply — levelling will be determined based on experience and skillset during the hiring process.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent field (Controls, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Computer Control Systems) — or equivalent practical experience
• 4+ years of hands-on experience as a Controls Engineer or Applications Engineer working on automation and/or electromechanical systems
• PLC programming proficiency with Siemens, Beckhoff, or Allen Bradley using ladder logic, structured text, and other IEC languages in process integration or mechatronic systems
• HMI development experience with platforms such as WinCC, Ignition, TwinCat HMI, or FactoryTalk
• Safety PLC knowledge including Simatic Safety, Beckhoff TwinSAFE, or Allen Bradley ControlLogix
• Familiarity with electrical and safety standards including NFPA79, National Electric Code, UL508A, ANSI, RIA15.06, and OSHA
• Exposure to industrial sensors and production equipment such as LVDT and pressure transducers, dispense systems, temperature controllers, torque controllers, and power meters
• Knowledge of communication protocols including Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and RS-232
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25–50% of the time, with a valid passport required

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official Tesla job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date before submitting your application.

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