Supplier Industrialization Engineer, Interiors & Soft Trim

Tesla is a leading electric vehicle manufacturer looking for a Supplier Industrialization Engineer to join their team. The role involves overseeing component development and quality management at suppliers while ensuring effective communication and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, direct and conduct industrialization related activities within the supply chain team
• 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
• Provide leadership for New Product Introduction (NPI) at Suppliers. Lead supplier improvements in scalability, cost, and quality
• Facilitate communication and clarification of technical requirements between Suppliers and Tesla Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams
• Accountable for supplier audits to ensure their ability to meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations
• Collaborate with Tesla Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics
• 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
• Guide suppliers in developing exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote efficient and seamless production of high-quality products
• 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. Provide input on new or alternative materials for improved design, manufacturability, or cost reduction
• 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

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, evidence of experience and exceptional ability, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5+ years of industrialization or manufacturing engineering experience within the automotive interior components sector, with strong hands‑on expertise in plastics injection molding, soft‑trim manufacturing, and interior paint/coating processes
• Demonstrated success launching interior components into mass production, including tooling development (injection molds, fixtures), process validation, APQP/PPAP execution, color/appearance approvals, and supplier process readiness. Experience working with automotive OEM standards, interior quality requirements, and durability/appearance specifications
• In-depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection
• Possess demonstrable leadership abilities; Previous experience managing safety critical parts
• Ability to communicate and direct supplier activities at the management level; Proven results in meeting customer requirements and expectations
• Ability to define and execute a project using project management techniques
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Excellent team building skills in dealing with suppliers, peers, and other functional areas
• 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; An average of 40 - 60% travel, possibly on short notice