About this role
Tesla is seeking a first principles focused Senior Manager of Self-Performed Engineering & Design Management to lead and scale a high-performing organization responsible for end-to-end engineering and design management across California. This role owns the technical and creative backbone of Tesla’s built environment — from R&D labs and advanced manufacturing lines to people-centric workspaces — ensuring every project is engineered for performance, built for innovation, and designed for impact.
You will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams (civil, structural, architectural, MEP, controls, etc.) and design leaders across multiple sites, driving execution on a high volume of projects with speed, precision, and excellence. These projects are among the most visible in the company — demanding flawless coordination, executive readiness, and relentless attention to detail.
This is not just design or engineering management. It’s architecting the future of Tesla’s physical infrastructure — with influence, ownership, and velocity. Your first of kind remarkable ideas, become realities.
- Lead and scale a high-performing organization of self-performed engineers and design managers across California, responsible for all disciplines: civil, structural, architectural, MEP, controls, and systems integration
- Own the full design lifecycle — from concept and schematic design through, drafting, modeling, construction documentation, coordination, and handover — ensuring technical rigor, constructability, and alignment with business goals
- Serve as the primary technical and design leader for high-visibility projects, ensuring alignment with R&D, manufacturing, space planning, and workplace teams. Communication to executives on technical first principle solutions
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Space Planning, Creative Design, Workplace & Facilities, Real Estate, EHS, and Construction — ensuring seamless integration from idea to execution
- Champion design for manufacturability, scalability, and sustainability — embedding Tesla’s engineering-first mindset into every project
- Own design governance: establish standards, templates, workflows, and review processes that ensure consistency, quality, and speed across teams
- Mentor and develop engineering and design talent — building a culture of excellence, innovation, and ownership
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil/Structural, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent experience
- 7+ years of progressive experience in engineering and design management, with a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams on complex, high-visibility projects
- Demonstrated success in self-performed or in-house engineering and design delivery — especially in architectural, R&D labs, or high-tech environments
- Deep technical fluency across all building systems — structural, architectural, MEP, controls, and site infrastructure — with the ability to challenge and elevate design quality
- Proven ability to manage high-volume, fast-paced portfolios — delivering results under pressure with precision and clarity in ambiguous environments
- Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills — able to distill complex technical content into clear, actionable insights for leadership
- A visionary mindset — passionate about design as a strategic lever, not just a deliverable. Strong coaching and mentorship skills — building high-performing teams that innovate, collaborate, and own outcomes
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
Expected Compensation $168,000 - $288,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.