R&D Manufacturing Planner, Actuators, Optimus

What to Expect

Join the Optimus team at Tesla and help build the future of humanoid robotics. We're seeking an R&D Manufacturing Planner to support our actuators development team; where breakthrough designs transition from concept to reality. You'll be the critical link between engineering innovation and manufacturing execution, orchestrating workflows across CNC machining, outside service vendors, assembly, and testing operations to ensure our team can iterate at the speed of innovation.

In this role, you'll thrive in organized chaos - managing shifting priorities, expediting prototype builds, and solving real-time manufacturing challenges. If you get energized by fast-paced R&D environments where yesterday's plan changes by lunch and you're building hardware that doesn't exist anywhere else on Earth, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

Plan and schedule R&D manufacturing activities across CNC machining, assembly, and testing to support rapid prototyping and design iteration

Coordinate material procurement, inventory management, and kitting for prototype builds, often with short lead times and evolving BOMs

Work directly with design engineers to translate CAD models into manufacturable builds, provide DFM feedback, and prioritize competing prototype requests

Manage work orders and build queues, balancing urgent tests, design validation builds, and longer-term development work

Identify and resolve capacity constraints, tooling gaps, and process bottlenecks to keep R&D cycles moving

Track build status and communicate cross-functionally with engineering, test, and operations teams

Support rapid iteration cycles by managing design changes, rework, and lessons learned from build to build

Drive improvements to R&D shop capabilities, throughput, and planning processes

What You'll Bring

Degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience

3+ years of experience in manufacturing planning, production control, or operations in a machining/assembly environment

Experience in R&D, prototype, or low-volume manufacturing environments

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D environment

Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineers, machinists, and technicians

Experience with ERP/MRP systems, BOMs, and planning tools

Comfort with ambiguity and frequent design changes; you pivot without losing momentum

Hands-on familiarity with CNC machining, mechanical assembly, and prototype manufacturing preferred

Knowledge of actuator systems, robotics, or electromechanical assemblies preferred

CAD proficiency (CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar) and ability to read engineering drawings preferred

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.