What to Expect
Join the Optimus team at Tesla and help build the future of humanoid robotics. We're seeking an R&D Manufacturing Planner to support our actuators development team; where breakthrough designs transition from concept to reality. You'll be the critical link between engineering innovation and manufacturing execution, orchestrating workflows across CNC machining, outside service vendors, assembly, and testing operations to ensure our team can iterate at the speed of innovation.
In this role, you'll thrive in organized chaos - managing shifting priorities, expediting prototype builds, and solving real-time manufacturing challenges. If you get energized by fast-paced R&D environments where yesterday's plan changes by lunch and you're building hardware that doesn't exist anywhere else on Earth, this role is for you.
What You'll Do-
Plan and schedule R&D manufacturing activities across CNC machining, assembly, and testing to support rapid prototyping and design iteration
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Coordinate material procurement, inventory management, and kitting for prototype builds, often with short lead times and evolving BOMs
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Work directly with design engineers to translate CAD models into manufacturable builds, provide DFM feedback, and prioritize competing prototype requests
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Manage work orders and build queues, balancing urgent tests, design validation builds, and longer-term development work
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Identify and resolve capacity constraints, tooling gaps, and process bottlenecks to keep R&D cycles moving
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Track build status and communicate cross-functionally with engineering, test, and operations teams
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Support rapid iteration cycles by managing design changes, rework, and lessons learned from build to build
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Drive improvements to R&D shop capabilities, throughput, and planning processes
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Degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience
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3+ years of experience in manufacturing planning, production control, or operations in a machining/assembly environment
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Experience in R&D, prototype, or low-volume manufacturing environments
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Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D environment
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Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineers, machinists, and technicians
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Experience with ERP/MRP systems, BOMs, and planning tools
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Comfort with ambiguity and frequent design changes; you pivot without losing momentum
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Hands-on familiarity with CNC machining, mechanical assembly, and prototype manufacturing preferred
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Knowledge of actuator systems, robotics, or electromechanical assemblies preferred
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CAD proficiency (CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar) and ability to read engineering drawings preferred
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.
