Automation Controls Engineering Internship/Co-Op (Summer 2019)
The Role:
Tesla is seeking a highly-motivated post-secondary intern to contribute to the design and development of new automation equipment and assembly lines for our advanced electric powertrain production facility in Reno, Nevada. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the team “building the machine that makes the machine”. Tesla is a demanding and fast-paced environment where you will work on a critical subsystem of incredibly exciting products.
The Automation Controls Engineering Intern will start under the guidance of a Controls Engineer to design, program and commission the most advanced automated assembly lines in the world. The Intern will join a team that creates complex automation equipment to produce Tesla vehicles, vehicle components and energy storage products across all manufacturing areas. This team challenges the frontiers of traditional manufacturing, and the intern is expected to learn and contribute to the team’s missions in a rapid and exponentially growing capacity.
Depending on your project assignments, you may learn how to:
- Design industrial electrical panels, field wiring and OSHA-compliant machine safety circuits in CAD
- Program ladder logic and structured text on multiple PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens and Beckhoff)
- Sequence complex, multi-station machinery for material pick-and-place, dispense, fastening, welding and conveyance applications
- Interface process and test equipment with Tesla MES and production quality databases using Python scripting and SQL
- Create aesthetically pleasing and intuitive operator touchscreen interfaces (Ignition)
- Commission vision cameras for part inspection and 2D/3D guidance of machinery
- Program and teach industrial 6-axis robots (Fanuc)
- Set up and tune servo drives and VFDs for fast and smooth operation (Allen-Bradley)
Candidate Requirements:
- BS Candidate in Electrical, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent
- Superb computer skills and demonstrated proficiency in a common programming language
- Demonstrated propensity to build, assemble, and fix things (including programmed solutions)
- Familiar with and able to use common hand tools and diagnostic tools such as multimeters
- Exposure to microcontrollers programming, binary and digital logic, analog circuits
- Proficiency with CAD
- Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
- Able to work under intense time pressure in the presence others
- Willing to work days, afternoons, nights and weekends as determined by project needs
- Be committed to Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy