What to Expect
The Quality Engineer – Steering Cell is a technical leader within the Quality organization, responsible for establishing and maintaining the “cockpit” for quality anomalies in production. You will design, automate, and continuously optimize the escalation process by developing intelligent triggers, real-time dashboards, and data-driven insights. This role ensures timely detection, transparent communication, and effective containment of quality issues across production lines, leveraging systems integration, data analytics, and automation to reduce manual effort and improve response speed. You’ll be the technical lead of a team of steering technicians, drive process improvements, and act as a bridge between quality operations, engineering, and production.
What You'll Do
- Design, implement, and maintain automated alerting systems that trigger based on KPI thresholds (e.g., defect rate, buffer levels, downtime) and escalate issues via integrated channels
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Develop and manage dynamic impact matrices to prioritize escalations based on severity, volume, and business impact
- Lead the creation and evolution of the Steering Dashboard — a central hub for real-time visibility into quality performance, trends, and open issues — using tools like Power BI and Tableau
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Automate data pipelines from ERP, QMS, and production systems to ensure accurate, timely, and transparent reporting
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Generate and distribute suspect lists, containment actions, and shift reports with minimal manual input, using scripting (Python) and automation tools
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Analyze defect trends, root causes, and system behavior to identify systemic risks and recommend preventive actions
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Mentor and support steering technicians in escalation procedures, shift reporting, and system usage, ensuring consistency and quality across shifts
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain) to align on quality priorities and resolve high-impact issues
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Explore and prototype AI-driven enhancements (e.g., anomaly detection, predictive alerts) to improve forecasting and reduce false positives
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Continuously optimize the steering process — eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing noise, and ensuring only critical issues reach escalation
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical field
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3+ years of hands-on experience in data analysis, automation, or quality engineering in a mass production environment (automotive or industrial manufacturing preferred)
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Strong proficiency in SQL for querying, joining, and manipulating large datasets from ERP/QMS systems
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Solid expertise in Python for scripting, data processing, automation, and building lightweight tools (e.g., alert scripts, data extractors)
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Proven experience with business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau to build interactive dashboards and reports
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Demonstrated ability to work with complex systems, understand data flows, and connect disparate sources (ERP, MES, QMS, etc.)
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Excellent problem-solving skills with a systems-thinking mindset and a passion for process optimization
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Fluent in English (written and spoken) — essential for documentation, collaboration, and mentoring
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Experience with AI/ML concepts (e.g., anomaly detection, clustering, forecasting) — even basic exposure is valuable
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Familiarity with chat integration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams APIs) for automated alerts
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Knowledge of Agile/DevOps practices in a manufacturing or quality context
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Experience with Jira, ServiceNow, or similar incident management systems
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Certification in data analytics, Six Sigma, or quality management (e.g., CQA, CQE)
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Candidates are expected to uphold and actively promote sustainability principles in their daily work, operating in line with Tesla Global Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S) Policy and EMAS requirements, fostering a culture of continuous environmental improvement
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.