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Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus

Tesla · Austin, TX1mo agoverified 6 h ago

BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $113k (699 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Define and execute injection molding processes and tooling for Optimus plastic components.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Work on cutting-edge humanoid robot program with high-precision plastic parts.

Might not be for you. Heavy travel (up to 50%) and focus on manufacturing execution rather than open-ended R&D.

Mostly at the benchDeep specialistFast-paced BS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleplastic injection tooling, molding processes, plastic resins, DFM, mold-flow simulation

H-1B filings

Tesla filed 1,327 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Sr Manufacturing Engineer, Sr Process Engineer, Sr Mechanical Design Engineer. Median filed pay: $138K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
4+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Process Engineering
Materials
plastic resins11 rolestool steels and alloys
Benefits
equity/stockEmployee Stock Purchase PlansTesla Babies program

Role details

What to Expect

In this role, you will define and execute manufacturing processes for plastic components on the Optimus program. You will own injection tooling from design through qualification, bring manufacturing constraints into product design, and scale molding processes that meet quality, cosmetic, and production targets. Your work enables Optimus hardware builds and long-term manufacturing capacity.

What You'll Do

  • Perform advanced DFM, evaluate part feasibility, and drive design changes that protect manufacturability
  • Lead design, construction, and full qualification of plastic injection tooling to design and cosmetic specifications
  • Apply first-principles analysis to resolve non-standard manufacturing constraints
  • Define and optimize molding processes with data to hit quality and output targets
  • Support engineering builds and confirm process scalability for volume production
  • Develop CAPEX plans and RFQs for prototype and production tooling
  • Partner with Design and Quality to set and refine part appearance standards
  • Deliver tooling and process solutions that enable new product and technology concepts

What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 4+ years hands-on injection mold development and process qualification for high-precision, high-volume parts
  • Proficiency in CATIA, mold-flow simulation, and scientific molding methods
  • Applied knowledge of plastic resins, tool steels and alloys, DFM/DFA, and GD&T
  • Experience with SPC, DOE, and data-driven process optimization
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%
  • Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills with internal teams and external vendors under minimal guidance

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.

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Common questions

Does Tesla sponsor H-1B visas?

Tesla has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus role at Tesla based?

This role is based in Austin, TX.

What degree is required for the Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus role at Tesla?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus role require?

The posting calls for at least 4 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus role work with?

plastic resins, tool steels and alloys.

What techniques or methods are required for this Manufacturing Engineer, Plastics Tooling Engineer, Optimus role?

DFM, mold-flow simulation, scientific molding, SPC, DOE.