Launch Engineer, Body, Semi

The Body Shop Launch Engineer - Semi is responsible for managing the integrated body shop operations perimeter in its entirety as it relates to introducing components and assemblies for the Tesla Semi, and relevant systems, into the production environment as Tesla continues to expand across new product lines and locations. This role encompasses key areas such as stamping, powder coating, and Body-in-White (BIW) assembly, providing flexibility for specialization in one or more sub-areas while ensuring overall program success.

The Body Shop Launch Engineer - Semi, is responsible for managing the operations perimeter in its entirety as it relates to introducing major coordinated changes or packages into the factory or factories. The Launch Engineer is ultimately responsible for the factory readiness and successful tactical implementation of the program into production.

This requires the launch engineer to lead cross-functional teams to ensure engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain validation targets have been met in accordance with product launch timelines. You will take ownership of body shop processes, including but not limited to stamping, powder coating, and BIW for aluminum and steel components sourced from internal and external suppliers, coordinating part, process, and equipment changes within your assigned area(s). Working alongside technical program managers, you will handle critical pre-production build management, MBOM setup, factory readiness, and successful tactical implementation of programs into production, with a strong focus on APQP and PPAP processes to drive quality, efficiency, and seamless integration across body shop workflows.

• Drive all activities related to body shop operations for your program(s) into the factory/factories, with a clear target to meet or exceed program milestones as set forth by the company, including processes such as stamping setup and optimization, powder coating design and defect resolution, and BIW joining validation for mixed-material components
• Participate in and lead various cross-functional Program and Manufacturing Readiness forums, providing clear updates on status, recovery plans, risks, and budgets at both working and executive levels, while fostering strong teamwork across engineering, quality, supply chain, operations, and supplier teams to ensure smooth integration across body shop areas, including coordination with external suppliers for timely component delivery
• Oversee the complete manufacturing validation for body shop programs, including APQP process execution, PPAP submissions status and approvals, supply chain readiness (for internal and external sources), handover from launch planning to production planning, factory transitions, and follow-up on excess/obsolescence planning and post-program/service introduction activities
• Plan, organize, and orchestrate all pre-launch build activities for body shop components and assemblies, facilitating ramp management with operations teams and ensuring effective time management to align with tight timelines, while addressing potential handoff delays or material compatibility issues across processes
• Oversee the finalization and validation of the MBOM for the program, with a focus on variant management, change management action items, and integration across body shop processes
• Oversee the validation of all factory systems regarding launch preparation, while managing budgets for equipment, tooling, materials (e.g., powders, dies, rivets, and welding consumables), and resources to avoid overruns and optimize cost efficiency across assigned areas
• Take ownership of facilitating discussions around root cause analysis (RCA), resolution of issues in triage, and driving closure of open action items, with an emphasis on performance metrics in areas like stamping, powder coating quality (e.g., adhesion and uniformity), BIW joining integrity (e.g., for mixed aluminum-steel assemblies), error proofing, and EHS factors (e.g., powder handling, ventilation, and welding fume management) in daily activities
• Collaborate daily with manufacturing teams (Quality, Process, Parts Control, EHS, Equipment, and Material Planning) and regularly provide feedback/deliverables to upstream/downstream teams (Design, Testing, Service, Remanufacturing, and external suppliers), promoting a collaborative mindset to resolve open-ended problems creatively, maintain production targets, and push feedback upstream through Design for Manufacturing, with a strong ability to work across diverse teams for body shop integration

• Degree in Engineering, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or related technical field or equivalent experience
• Experience in automotive, tech, or high-volume/high-complexity manufacturing, including internships, with expertise in one or more body shop areas such as stamping operations (e.g. sheet metal forming), powder coating processes (e.g., application, curing, and quality controls), or BIW operations (e.g., joining technologies like welding, in-die clinching, and Self-Piercing Rivets for aluminum and steel components)
• Strong understanding of APQP processes for product development and PPAP for supplier and part approvals, ensuring compliance and quality in integrated body shop workflows
• Production Operations Knowledge: Firm grasp of how complex production lines operate, including industrial workings between facilities/departments, line balance, OEE, error proofing, and process-specific elements across body shop areas (e.g., die design in stamping, powder recovery in coating, and joining optimization in BIW for mixed materials)
• Background in manufacturing/industrial engineering desirable, with supply chain experience a plus, particularly in managing materials and components across body shop processes
• Excellent teamwork skills to lead group discussions around RCA, process design, process validation, and assembly methods in a cross-functional environment, with a proven ability to collaborate with various teams (e.g., internal operations, external suppliers, design, and quality) for seamless integration
• Strong time management abilities to prioritize tasks, meet milestones, and handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced setting, ensuring efficient sequencing across body shop operations
• Proven budget management skills to oversee resource allocation, tooling costs, material expenses, and financial planning for body shop launches without exceeding limits
• Creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills; versed in various methodologies to devise solutions for complicated challenges across body shop processes (e.g., die wear in stamping, contamination in powder coating, or joining defects in BIW)
• Understanding of basic CAD models and manufacturing drawings; proficient in Microsoft Office and JIRA

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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