Supplier Industrialization Engineer (Metal Forming, Injection Molding), Supply Chain

Tesla’s Supplier Industrialization team is responsible for component development, part and process qualification activities, quality management, and continuous improvement activities at suppliers. The job requires effective communication at all levels both with internal and external teams, traveling to suppliers in different regions, and on-the-spot critical decision making. The goal: developing suppliers by teaching best practices for manufacturing, quality, and engineering, delivering on time quantities of high quality component parts into Tesla’s production processes to enable extremely rapid development cycles and product launches, driving lean manufacturing principals to reduce waste and improve quality.

• Lead supplier improvements in scalability, cost, and quality.
• Guide suppliers in developing exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote efficient and seamless production of high-quality products.
• Provide input on new or alternative materials for improved design, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Tesla Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Validate supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes to ensure they are robust, sustainable, and implemented for similar potential concerns across manufacturing lines and/or suppliers.
• Develop, Manage, Audit, Improve and Correct supplier planning and execution of component manufacturing and assembly techniques and quality control processes from the advanced development phase to mass production qualification.
• Accountable for supplier audits to ensure their ability to meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations.
• Accountable for leading, tracking and improving supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness for new products and design changes, and driving continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing and First Principals methods.
• Participate in supplier DFM Review, guide suppliers in efficient use of poke-yokes, best methods of manufacturing, testing, and gauging, and correct tools or assembly equipment to use.
• Facilitate communication and clarification of technical requirements between Suppliers and Tesla Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams.
• Plan, organize, direct and conduct industrialization related activities within the supply chain team.
• Provide leadership for New Product Introduction (NPI) at Suppliers.

• An average of 40-60% travel, possibly on short notice.
• Previous experience managing safety critical parts.
• Strong technical writing ability and an ability to explain complex issues in a concise and plain manner. Must be familiar with SPC and data analysis.
• Advanced working knowledge of tool management and maintenance, high-volume molding production processes, metallization and painting of molded surfaces, ownership for part life-cycle from raw material approval through final product acceptance.
• Ability to define and execute a project using project management techniques.
• Ability to communicate and direct supplier activities at the management level.
• Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics or evidence of experience and exceptional ability.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing, research, or quality engineering, with demonstrated evidence of excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Excellent team building skills in dealing with suppliers, peers and other functional areas.
• Experience in Quality Systems a plus: PPAP/APQP processes.
• Possess demonstrable leadership abilities.
• Display an advanced working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Lean Manufacturing, and how to apply these skills to improve quality, capacity, and reduce cost.