
Technical Associate Manager, Optimus Actuators
Tesla · Austin, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $130,000 / year
- Austin, TX
Job highlights
- Lead automated production team and supervisors.
- Develop and execute build plans for operations.
- Focus on employee development and training.
- Drive operational excellence and safety culture.
- Utilize data for optimization and decisions.
About the role
Technical Associate Manager, Operations
As a Technical Associate Manager, Operations, you will lead a dynamic team in a fully automated production environment, overseeing Supervisors who manage Maintenance Technicians (responsible for equipment upkeep) and Manufacturing Technicians (driving production to meet targets). Your role will involve leveraging these resources to develop and execute build plans, ensuring seamless operations in high-speed, automated lines.
With your experience in fast-paced production environments and a strong background in manufacturing, you'll be ideally positioned to thrive here. You have a passion for employee development, enjoying the process of training and growing the next generation of technicians and supervisors. You're hands-on, energetic, and capable of critical thinking across complex processes. Your proven ability to collaborate with team members, peers, and managers will be key to your success in this innovative role.
What You'll Do
- Build a strong, motivated team of Supervisors, Maintenance Technicians, Engineering Technicians, Manufacturing Technicians and Production Associates capable of consistently delivering high-quality output against aggressive production targets in fully automated lines
- Empower supervisors and technicians to collaborate with cross functional teams to resolve technical issues, enhance product manufacturability, line productivity, and overall operational performance
- Champion issue resolution, including root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and to achieve operational excellence
- Develop high-performance teams by creating individual growth plans for supervisors, technicians and associates, emphasizing technical training in critical systems for maintenance, engineering and automated manufacturing production
- Optimize operations by taking data-driven decisions to improve labor content, cost metrics and OEE
- Maintain a culture that prioritizes safety and quality through communication, action, and accountability
- As a people leader, you are responsible for a variety of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) assurance functions, including ensuring your team’s safety training is current, documenting EHS incidents, proactively correcting workplace hazards in the areas, and empowering others to continuously improve operations
- Develop and execute build plans that balance production throughput with preventive maintenance schedules, focusing on OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) improvements
What You'll Bring
- 5+ years of industrial manufacturing, mechanical engineering or production management with 3+ years leading teams in automated environments
- Proven success in balancing production targets with maintenance priorities, including experience with OEE optimization, preventive maintenance and process development
- Extensive detailed analysis experience to make data-driven decisions and summarize results for executives
- Ability to troubleshoot complex production and equipment issues while driving continuous improvement
- Strong understanding of 5S, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies (certification a plus)
- Demonstrated ability to develop teams, foster collaboration, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
- Advanced skills in MS Office (Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for reporting) and familiarity with production/maintenance software (e.g., CMMS, ERP systems)
Compensation and 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
Key skills/competency
- Technical Associate Manager Operations
- Manufacturing Management
- Team Leadership
- Automated Production Environments
- Production Planning
- Operational Excellence (OEE)
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma
- Root Cause Analysis
- Employee Development
Skills & topics
- Technical Associate Manager
- Operations Manager
- Production Manager
- Manufacturing
- Automation
- Team Leadership
- OEE
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma
- Process Improvement
- Mechanical Engineering
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- CMMS
- ERP
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in automated manufacturing, team leadership, and OEE optimization to match Tesla's requirements.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize your data-driven decision-making, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma knowledge in your application.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams, resolving complex issues, and fostering a culture of safety and quality.
- Understand Tesla's culture: Research their innovative approach to manufacturing and commitment to employee development to align your answers with their values.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary responsibility of a Technical Associate Manager at Tesla?
- The primary responsibility of a Technical Associate Manager at Tesla is to lead a team of supervisors and technicians in a fully automated production environment, ensuring high-quality output, operational efficiency, and employee development.
- What kind of experience is most valued for the Technical Associate Manager role at Tesla?
- Tesla values extensive experience in industrial manufacturing or production management, specifically with a proven track record of leading teams in automated environments and balancing production targets with maintenance priorities.
- How important is employee development for this Technical Associate Manager position at Tesla?
- Employee development is crucial. The role involves creating individual growth plans, emphasizing technical training, and growing the next generation of technicians and supervisors, demonstrating Tesla's commitment to its workforce.
- What methodologies are important for a Technical Associate Manager at Tesla to know?
- A strong understanding of 5S, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies is important. While certification is a plus, practical application and knowledge are highly valued for continuous improvement.
- What are the key benefits offered to a full-time employee at Tesla for this role?
- Full-time Tesla employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plans, life and disability insurance, and various wellness and support programs.
- How does Tesla ensure safety in its production environment for the Technical Associate Manager role?
- Tesla prioritizes safety through communication, action, and accountability. The Technical Associate Manager is responsible for EHS assurance, ensuring safety training, documenting incidents, and proactively correcting hazards.
- What technical skills are required for the Technical Associate Manager at Tesla?
- Advanced skills in MS Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for reporting, are required. Familiarity with production/maintenance software like CMMS and ERP systems is also important.