On the Job Training, Welder, Megapack

The Tesla Manufacturing Department is offering a Two-week Welder OJT Program for current employees and entry level Welder candidates to develop expertise in metal fabrication and welding. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in welding techniques (GMAW/MIG), blueprint interpretation, and safety compliance. Successful graduates will be eligible for future full-time Welder roles.

Internal Candidates: An internal Welder Trainee maintains the Production Associate classification, level and pay rate that was in place when they were accepted into the program.  External candidates will be brought on at the entry point.

During the two-week training period, the Trainee will be responsible for learning and applying Welder skills.  After the two weeks, the Trainee will be required to demonstrate these skills through a standardized assessment.  Trainees that fail to complete this assessment will be removed from the program, Internals will return to their full-time role within production. Trainees may also be removed from the program if they fail to demonstrate ability to meet the requirements for the role.

Application Process

Interested Manufacturing employees must apply via Tesla’s internal mobility procedures. External candidates will apply directly through our careers page and be reviewed according to standard practices.

Note: Tesla reserves the right to remove trainees for non-compliance with safety standards or failure to meet technical benchmarks.

Key Training Areas

- Welding Techniques: GMAW/MIG processes, plasma arc cutting, and oxy/acetylene torch use
- Blueprint & Spec Compliance: Interpret diagrams, engineering drawings, and weld symbols
- Equipment & Tools: Operate handheld tools (screw guns, grinders, calipers) and weldment fixtures
- Safety Protocols: Adhere to PPE requirements (safety glasses, arm protection) and hazard identification

Milestones

- Master basic GMAW/MIG welding techniques
- Design and build basic structures or supports
- Operate plasma arc cutting tools independently
- Set up weldment fixtures to meet geometric specs
- Execute high-quality welds on critical components
- Troubleshoot process inefficiencies and safety risks

Eligibility Requirements (For Internal Applicants Only)

- Current employment within Tesla’s Megafactory, California org
- Compliance with Tesla’s internal mobility guidelines
- Retain existing Production Associate classification, level, and pay during training

General Requirements:

- General udnerstanding of the Welding process
- Ability to work in a team enviroment
- 1-3 years' experience operating within a maufacturing or relatable industry

Assessment

- Practical evaluation to demonstrate proficiency in welding techniques, blueprint interpretation, and safety compliance
- Trainees failing the assessment or violating safety protocols will return to their prior production role

Post-Training Responsibilities

- Fabrication & Repair: Join, fabricate, and repair metal parts using GMAW/MIG processes
- Safety Compliance: Adhere to PPE requirements and hazard protocols (e.g., LOTO, 5-S)
- Equipment Maintenance: Manage welding consumables and maintain tools
- Collaboration: Work with engineering teams to improve processes and reduce waste

Essential Physical Demands

- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
- Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours/day, including over varied and uneven terrain
- Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
- Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
- Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours/day
- Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
- Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, arm protection, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines

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